When we begin to experience discomfort or difficulty performing simple tasks at home, such as walking or climbing stairs, and even experience pain when sitting or lying down, we may have a knee affected by arthritis or a particular injury. Total knee arthroplasty is considered when various methods have been used to improve this condition, yet satisfactory results cannot be achieved.
Generally, when non-surgical treatments, such as medication and the use of walking aids, become ineffective at a certain point, it prompts a medical evaluation, during which total knee arthroplasty may be considered a viable alternative.
It is a safe and effective medical procedure that can provide pain relief, correct leg deformity, and provide the opportunity to resume normal daily activities afterward.
The first total knee replacement was performed in 1968. Since then, improvements have been made in materials and surgical methods to increase its effectiveness. Today, it is seen as one of the most successful medical procedures.
What causes knee problems?
One of the common causes of chronic knee pain and disability is arthritis. However, there are several types of arthritis that can develop. Much of the knee pain or discomfort is caused by osteoarthritis, post-traumatic arthritis, or rheumatoid arthritis.
Post-Traumatic Arthritis
This condition occurs after a severe knee injury. Fractures of the bones surrounding the knee or tears of the ligaments in this area can damage the joint cartilage over time, resulting in pain and limitation of knee function.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
It is a condition in which the synovial membrane surrounding the joint becomes inflamed and thickened. Chronic inflammation can damage the cartilage, leading to its loss and causing pain and stiffness.
Osteoarthritis
This type of arthritis occurs due to age-related wear and tear. It tends to happen in people over 50, although it can develop in younger people as well. The cartilage that cushions the knee bones wears away and softens, causing the bones to rub against each other, resulting in stiffness and pain.
What is total knee arthroplasty?
Total knee arthroplasty refers to a knee replacement where the bone surfaces are replaced. These are some of the steps considered for this type of surgical intervention:
- Bone Preparation: The surgeon removes the affected cartilaginous surfaces at the femur’s and tibia’s ends, along with a small amount of underlying bone.
- Placement of Metal Implants: The surgeon replaces the removed cartilage and bone with metallic components that recreate the joint surface. These are metal pieces that can be cemented or press-fitted into the bone.
- Next, the specialist cuts the underside of the kneecap and covers it with a plastic button.
- Finally, a spacer is inserted. The surgeon inserts a medical-grade plastic spacer between the metallic components to create a smooth sliding surface.
What are knee replacement prostheses made of?
The choice of design and materials used for knee replacement prostheses depends on each patient. The main components of the implant are made of metal, titanium, or chrome-cobalt alloys.
These implants or prostheses are fixed in place using a cement adhesive or through osseointegration, where a porous metal stem can extend into the tibia, and the patient’s natural bone grows into it. Thus, a plastic platform or spacer is inserted between the tibial and femoral implant surfaces. In this case, the spacer is made of polyethylene.
- Much of the femoral components are made of metal alloys or metal-ceramic alloys.
- The patellar component is plastic or polyethylene.
- The tibial insert component is also made of plastic (polyethylene).
- The tibial tray component may be designed with materials such as titanium (metal alloy), chrome-cobalt (metal alloy), or polyethylene (plastic).
When is this type of medical intervention recommended?
There are several reasons why orthopedic surgeons recommend total knee replacement. Some of these reasons include:
- Moderate to severe knee pain during rest, whether day or night.
- Knee deformity – bowing inward or outward of the knee.
- Severe knee pain or stiffness that can limit daily activities, including climbing stairs, walking, sitting, and getting up from a chair.
- Chronic knee swelling and inflammation that does not improve with rest or medication.
- Discomfort or pain does not significantly improve with other treatments, such as anti-inflammatory medications, lubricating injections, cortisone injections, physical therapy, etc.
What does the orthopedic evaluation consist of?
These are some of the components considered by the orthopedic surgeon for evaluating patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty:
Medical History
The specialist will gather as much information as possible about the patient’s overall health status. To do this, they will ask questions about the extent of knee pain and the ability to function.
Physical Examination
An evaluation of knee movement, strength, stability, and overall leg alignment will be performed.
X-rays
These images allow the doctor to determine the extent of damage or deformity in the patient’s knee.
Other Evaluations
In some cases, blood tests or advanced imaging tests, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), may be necessary to assess the condition of the knee’s bones and soft tissues.
The orthopedic surgeon will discuss the results with the patient to determine if total knee replacement is possible. In addition, other potential alternatives, such as injections, medications, physical therapy, etc., will be evaluated.
Preparing for knee surgery
When arriving at the hospital for medical care and starting the established procedure, a specialist from the anesthesia team will conduct an evaluation. The most common types of anesthesia include:
- General anesthesia.
- Spinal, epidural, or regional nerve block anesthesia.
The anesthesia team’s opinion will determine the type of anesthesia necessary for the surgery.
Total knee arthroplasty procedure
The surgery typically lasts between 1 and 2 hours. The orthopedic surgeon removes the affected cartilage and bone and then places metallic or plastic implants to restore knee alignment and function.
After the procedure, the patient is taken to the recovery room, where they need to stay for several hours while their reaction to anesthesia is monitored. Once awake, they may be discharged, or if necessary, they may be admitted to a hospital room.
Pain Management
After surgery, some discomfort may be felt. This is a natural part of the healing process. The doctor and nursing staff will help reduce pain, allowing faster recovery.
Typically, the specialist prescribes some medications to relieve short-term pain after total knee arthroplasty. For example, opioids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, local anesthetics, and acetaminophen.
The doctor may use a combination of these medications to achieve pain relief and significantly reduce the need for opioids. Similarly, regional blocks may be performed to relieve postoperative pain, a method that should be discussed with the orthopedic surgeon and anesthesiologist.
Why choose Mexico for knee replacement surgery?
Patients from the United States, Canada, and other parts of the world tend to choose Mexico as a destination for total knee arthroplasty due to its proximity and affordable costs. In addition, access to air and land routes and the presence of certified clinics or hospitals are excellent attractions for many patients.
The quality of healthcare services and expertise in orthopedic surgery are also reasons why coming to Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico, is ideal. Among the advantages of having surgery in Mexico are:
- Access to high standards in medical services.
- The possibility of receiving specialized care in affordable, first-rate hospitals.
- Prescribed medications may be available at 40-60% lower cost than in other countries.
- Doctors are bilingual, and some are even U.S. citizens.
The cost discrepancy is one of the primary reasons why medical tourism to Mexico is one of the best options today.
Why are medical procedures so affordable in Mexico?
Various factors, such as the exchange rate, have made Mexico an economical and safe option for meeting the medical needs of many patients. Although treatments and surgeries are more affordable than in other countries, this does not mean that quality is compromised. On the contrary, medical care from highly competent professionals with experience in the field of interest is possible.
At Blue Ribbon, we manage a selection of specialists based on several aspects, some of which include:
- A minimum of 8 years of certified surgical experience.
- Updated on new treatments and techniques.
- Diplomas of continuing professional education.
- Bilingual attention.
- Valid professional license (continuous validation).
We carefully select medical personnel to offer the best care to our patients from around the world.
Contact your best medical provider in Mexico!
Mexico, as one of the preferred countries for medical tourism, stands out in the market for professional quality care in various sectors of the medical field. Not only is it possible to find professionals such as orthopedic surgeons, but also bariatric, urologists, ophthalmologists, and dentists, among others.
For Blue Ribbon, the safety and health of our patients are of great importance. Therefore, we focus on offering the highest standard of quality in everything related to improving the patient’s quality of life.
Additionally, as one of the best medical providers in Mexico, we have forged partnerships with various hotels and establishments so that patients can stay longer in the region after medical discharge. This ensures that we offer excellent service to all our patients.
If you are interested in learning more about total knee arthroplasty, you can receive an evaluation from our doctors to determine the best alternative for your condition. You will be assisted by a coordinator (doctor) who will guide you through the entire process so that you can travel to Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico, to receive specialized care according to your case.
You can contact us by phone or filling out the form on our website. You can ask any questions to start planning your surgery.
You can call from the USA at 213 995 3029. We are located at Arenas 151, Playa Ensenada Fractionation, CP 22880, Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico.