Total Knee Replacement and Imaging

 Introduction

Total knee replacement and imaging are done to ensure proper functioning of the knee joints. The prosthesis is used to correct abnormalities or imbalances in the bone and bon tissues. Radiography imaging is done to locate the extent of the disease.

Body

Total knee replacement is performed on a common practice with over 1.5 million procedures being done yearly around the world.  The reasons for performing the procedure is to relieve pain or regain the right functioning of a seriously damaged knee through a replacement of all the 3 components of knee joints.  The main aim is to correct imbalances of the soft tissues or bone abnormalities. Radiography imaging is done to assess the extent of the patient’s knees diseases and helps to align the limb and accurately place the implants (Scott 2015).  It is necessary in determining whether a patent qualifies for a TKR surgery, where surgeons check for bony abnormalities , the narrowing of joint space , alignment of the a patient’s knees and whether the prosthesis fit on the intended bone.  The radiograph imaging is also important for follow up and for postoperative examination.  The quality of image greatly determines the effectiveness of patient care due to accurate positioning and reduced errors (Scott 2015).

 The image view can be in form of Anteroposterior Weight-bearing projection, Weight-bearing Lateral Projection, Tangential Patellofemoral Projections and Weight-bearing Posteroanterior Projection, Full-leg Length (Hip-Knee-Ankle) AP Projection, Posteroanterior Oblique Condylar Projection. The various types of imaging include Computer Tomography, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Fluoroscopy and Nuclear imaging.  The use of Computer Tomography is appropriate if there is pain, in case of inclusive or negative cultures for joint aspirations and effective joint aspiration for purpose of infection (Scott 2015).

A prosthesis is used the problematic bones’ surfaces. The available prosthesis comes in different sizes, materials for component and fixation methods so as to ensure matching of patent’s body in the best way possible for restoration of joint functioning.  The components of the prosthesis used should match the patient’s body as strongly as possible.   Narcotic pain drugs are administered to manage pain after the procedure.  Complications have been reported during the follow-up with 14 – 44 percent patents reporting persistent pain (Scott 2015).

Conclusion

The Total Knee Replacement procedure is carried out in many patients across the world, where prosthesis is used to replace or correct the problematic surfaces if the knee. The imaging of the knee to locate the issue is done in different ways with different equipments.

References

Scott A. Total knee replacement and imaging. Radiologic Technology [serial online]. 2015;(1):65. Available from: Academic OneFile, Ipswich, MA.