Tekonivelen

Tekonivelen, or a prosthetic joint, is a surgically implanted device intended to replace a damaged natural joint. It aims to relieve pain, restore mobility, and improve function for patients with advanced joint disease or severe joint injury. The term is used in Finnish medical literature and is commonly translated as prosthetic joint or artificial joint.

Common targets include the hip, knee, shoulder, elbow, and ankle. Procedures may be total joint replacement, where the entire joint surfaces are replaced, or unicompartmental or partial replacements, where only one part is replaced. Revision procedures replace a worn or failed prosthesis. Joint replacements are typically considered after failing conservative treatments such as medications, physical therapy, or injections.

Most prostheses consist of metal alloys, ceramic components, and polyethylene inserts, and are fixed to bone with bone cement or designed for cementless fixation that relies on bone growth into the implant. Implants are designed to mimic the function of natural joints and may include components such as a femoral head, acetabular cup, tibial plateau, or additional hinged or rotating mechanisms depending on the joint.

During surgery, damaged cartilage and bone are removed or reshaped, the prosthetic components are positioned, and proper alignment and tension are achieved. Rehabilitation involves physical therapy, gradual weight-bearing, and exercises to regain strength and range of motion. Hospital stays vary, with full recovery generally taking weeks to months.

Outcomes are typically favorable with significant pain relief and functional improvement, though some patients require revision surgery later. Potential risks include infection, blood clots, prosthesis loosening, wear and tear, dislocation, and nerve or vessel injury. The average lifespan of a modern prosthesis is roughly 15 to 25 years, varying by joint, activity level, and patient factors.