Healthy Lifestyle Radio Storytime

What major problem dentures have?

The prosthesis is a rigid device embedded in a hard tissue but alive, which is the bone. Therefore, the interaction between them when the knee moves or rests eventually will cause a loosening. Moreover, the polyethylene tibial component is decaying, leading to instability of the knee, which in turn makes it more touching and overload the rest of the prosthesis. It’s a vicious circle. In addition, wear particles interact with the bone material causing its destruction, exacerbating loosening.

Adding all these factors, today the effective period of a knee prosthesis is measured in 10-15 years. In young people is inevitable. In the elderly life expectancy can be concluded before it is loose enough to cause problems. Loosening may not cause symptoms initially, but ends up causing disabling pain.The prosthesis should be changed: the procedure called revision or replacement, which presents many more problems.

- We work in a field with lack of bone and deep scar that disrupts the normal relationship of muscles, nerves, and so on. The surgery takes longer and is much more bloody.

- Prostheses are used large, long, with more pieces that will more friction.

- It requires a significant amount of bone graft to fill voids. Usually obtained from a cadaver.

What can a patient do with a prosthetic knee?

- You should visit regularly to consult your orthopedic surgeon, for possible loosening or other problems.

- You should avoid walking on rough terrain and jumping exercises and impact as a career. You should not carry heavy weights.

- You can swim and bike in moderation (better static and without resistance, to prevent falls and not force the prosthesis).

- Should be avoided whenever possible certain movements that force the prosthetic socket and can cause instability. These depend on the approach.

- Take care of your teeth and visit your dentist regularly to prevent tooth decay. Your dentist should be aware that prostheses. If you have a tooth extracted antibiotic prophylaxis should do.

- Suspecting an infection, even banal, will go to your doctor stating that carries prosthesis.

- Faced with a pain in the knee area first consult with your doctor, and if infection is suspected or loose forward it to your orthopedic surgeon.

- If there is inflammation in the area, come to your hospital of reference indicating that carries prosthesis.

credit to: Dr. Alain Vannineuse, Dr. Roberto Palacio González