Joint Prosthesis Surgery
Joint Replacement Surgery
One of the most critical parts of our body is our joints, which play an active role in walking, running, and other vital activities. Due to environmental and genetic factors, joint replacement surgery techniques are used to treat joint disorders. The equipment used during the surgery is crucial, and recovery is usually seen within a short period.
What is Joint Replacement Surgery?
With advancing technology, patients with joint problems can regain their orthopedic health. After the diagnosis and assessment stage, a decision can be made to undergo knee replacement surgery. Therefore, the process should progress under the control of an expert physician.
There are various models available within the scope of prosthesis surgery, which are classified into five groups. The single-axis foot is based on an ankle hinge that provides dorsiflexion and plantarflexion. The disadvantages of a single-axis foot are its poor cosmetics and low durability. SACH (solid ankle cushion heel) ankle is standardized according to decades and suitable for patients with low expectations.
Knee Prosthesis
It can lead to excessive loading problems in non-amputated feet (ending usage). Articulated dynamic response feet allow inversion/eversion and rotation of the foot and are suitable for activities on uneven surfaces. They can absorb load and reduce scissor forces in the residual extremity.
Most dynamic response feet have a flexible spine (keel) and are the new standard in general use. Choosing the right dynamic prosthetic foot requires knowledge of the patient's height, weight, activity level, maintenance approach, cosmetics, and cost. Dynamic response feet can be grouped into short and long spines with articulated and non-articulated feet.
The spine (keel) deforms under load, bounces, and allows dorsiflexion, thus reducing loading on the sound side and providing flexibility (spring-like) for propulsion. The posterior extension of the spine provides a soft transition from heel strike to the swing phase. A sagittal slit allows for moderate inversion or eversion. Short spines are not responsive, while ambulatory needs are low, and long spines are indicated for high activities. A separate prosthetic foot is required for running and low-expectation activities. Dynamic response feet include the Seattle foot, Carbon Copy II/III, and Flex foot and allow amputees to undertake most normal activities.
Prosthetic Legs: Structural connections between prosthetic components. Two types are available, endoskeletal, soft outer-shelled and tubed internal load-bearing and exoskeletal, hard outer-shelled load-bearing shells. Rotator units are sometimes added for patients requiring rotational activities.
Joint Prosthetic Surgery
4. Prosthetic Knees: Prosthetics are used in transfemoral and knee disarticulation, and the choice of prosthesis depends on the patient's needs. With a knee prosthesis, controlled knee movement is achieved. The alignment stability (the relationship of the prosthetic knee's position to the patient's body weight line) is important in design and placement of the prosthetic knee. Placing the rotation of the knee center posterior to the weight line allows for control during the stance phase but makes flexion difficult. Alternatively, placing the rotation of the knee center anterior to the weight line makes flexion easier. Only polycentric knees have the advantage of choosing both due to the variable rotation center.
Suspension Systems: In modern lower extremity prostheses, suspension is primarily achieved through socket design and suspension sleeves. The use of straps and belts is to provide support. Sockets are prosthetic components designed to provide even pressure distribution and comfortable functional control on the amputee stump. Sockets can be rigid (rigid or socketless) or soft (covered with flexible material and/or flexible covering). Generally, suction and socket circumference are the primary suspension modalities used. A suction socket provides an airtight seal between the socket and the atmosphere through different pressure. Total contact support of the residual limb prevents edema formation.
Patients with persistent symptoms such as severe joint pain, difficulty walking, and limited mobility can be treated with surgery. Decisions regarding the procedures to be performed are made based on the data obtained from radiological imaging systems and the patient's health status.
