Why would someone need to have a High Flex knee replacement?
Common indications of High Flex knee replacement include:
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Active lifestyle: Patients who participate in activities that require a larger range of knee motion, such as dancing, cycling, or playing sports, may benefit from a high-flex knee replacement.
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Occupational requirements: Individuals with physically demanding jobs that involve frequent squatting, kneeling, or bending may require a high-flex knee replacement to maintain their work capabilities.
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Difficulty in kneeling or squatting: If a patient has difficulty kneeling or squatting due to knee pain or stiffness, a high-flex knee replacement can help restore these movements.
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Previous ligament damage or deformity: Patients with previous ligament injuries or deformities of the knee joint may benefit from a high-flex knee replacement to improve their range of motion and function.
What conditions can a High Flex knee replacement treat?
High Flex knee replacement can treat knee conditions such as Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, post-traumatic arthritis, and deformities requiring increased range of motion.
Different Types of High Flex Knee Replacement
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Standard High-Flex Knee Replacement: This type of high-flex knee replacement includes components designed to allow for increased knee flexion, typically exceeding 120 degrees.
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Gender-Specific High-Flex Knee Replacement: These knee replacements are designed with consideration for anatomical differences between male and female patients. They aim to provide improved fit and performance based on gender-specific characteristics.
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Customized High-Flex Knee Replacement: Customized knee replacements are designed based on a patient's unique anatomy using advanced imaging techniques. This helps to ensure a more precise fit and potentially optimize the range of motion.
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Rotating Platform High-Flex Knee Replacement: This type of knee replacement includes a rotating platform component that allows for slight rotation during knee movement. It can help reduce wear and tear on the implant over time.
Requirements & Evaluation: High Flex Knee replacement surgery
The following are important requirements and evaluations while planning high-flex knee replacement surgery:
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Medical evaluation: Your orthopedic surgeon will assess your overall health, medical history, current medications, and any underlying medical conditions that may affect the surgery or recovery process.
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Knee examination: A thorough examination of your knee joint will be conducted to evaluate the extent of damage or deformity and determine the need for a high-flex knee replacement.
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X-rays and imaging: X-rays, MRI scans, or other imaging tests may be performed to assess the condition of the knee joint, identify any abnormalities, and aid in planning the surgery.
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Conservative treatments: Non-surgical treatments like physical therapy, medications, injections, or assistive devices may be attempted initially to alleviate symptoms and improve knee function. Failed non-surgical treatments may indicate the need for a high-flex knee replacement.
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Range of motion assessment: Your knee's range of motion will be evaluated to determine if a high-flex knee replacement can provide additional mobility and flexibility beyond a traditional knee replacement.
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Lifestyle considerations: Your surgeon will discuss your activity level, occupation requirements, and specific goals to determine if a high-flex knee replacement is appropriate for your lifestyle and functional needs.
High Flex Knee Replacement Procedure
Before the Procedure
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Pre-operative evaluation: You will undergo a thorough examination, including medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests like X-rays or MRI scans to determine the need for high-flex knee replacement.
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Preparing for surgery: Your surgeon will provide instructions on pre-operative preparations, such as fasting before the procedure and any necessary medications to stop or adjust before surgery.
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Anesthesia: You will meet with an anesthesiologist to discuss the type of anesthesia to be used during the surgery. This may include general anesthesia or regional anesthesia (spinal or epidural).
After the Procedure
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Incision: The surgical team makes an incision over the knee to access the joint. The size of the incision may vary depending on the surgical approach used (traditional or minimally invasive).
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Joint preparation: The damaged or arthritic surfaces of the knee joint are removed, reshaped, and prepared to accommodate the high-flex knee replacement components.
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Implant placement: The high-flex knee replacement components (implant) are carefully positioned and secured to the bones using bone cement or press-fit techniques.
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Wound closure: The incision is closed with sutures or staples, and a sterile dressing is applied.
What kind of follow-up care will I have during recovery?
Take medications on time and carry regular follow-ups.. In case of any discomfort, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
Risk & Benefits
Benefits:
High-flex knee replacement provides an increased range of motion, allowing for activities like kneeling, squatting, and climbing stairs that may be limited with traditional knee replacements. This can improve quality of life and functional outcomes. High-flex knee replacements can also lead to improved patient satisfaction and a faster return to normal activities.
Risks:
Like any surgical procedure, there are risks involved, including infection, blood clots, nerve or blood vessel injury, implant loosening, and allergic reactions to anesthesia or materials used. Additionally, the long-term durability and performance of high-flex knee replacements are still being studied, and some studies have raised concerns about potential complications such as early wear or dislocation.
Recovery
According to a rehabilitation timeline for total knee replacement surgery, the recovery after knee surgery typically lasts about 12 weeks. However, many individuals may be able to walk without an assistive device after 3 weeks and drive after 4-6 weeks. It is important to note that individual recovery times may vary based on factors such as overall health, adherence to rehabilitation exercises, and complications that may arise during the recovery process.
