What Happens to Patella in Knee Replacement
What Happens to Patella in Knee Replacement When you face a knee replacement your patella’s fate is a key point. The surgery adapts parts of your knee to help ease pain and boost movement. It’s vital to know what happens during this time. This knowledge helps you see how it aids in making your life better.
The patella plays a big role in how you move every day. During the operation doctors look closely at this bone. They make sure it fits well with new parts that replace old ones. This work helps ensure the joint moves smooth once more.
After surgery taking care of your knee is important for healing right. Your recovery plan may have simple tasks at first then harder ones over time. Sticking with this plan is key for getting back to normal fast and safe.
Why is the Patella Important in Knee Replacement
The patella, or kneecap, is more than just a small bone. It’s a key player in your knee joint. During knee replacement surgery doctors focus on it to help you move better. They know its role is big for walking and bending.
When having knee surgery keeping the patella right matters a lot. If it doesn’t work well with new parts problems can come up. The fit must be good so that pain stays away and movement feels natural again.
In rehab after your knee replacement the patella gets much attention too. You’ll do exercises to make this part strong once more. This helps you get back on your feet faster and use your new knee well.
Having care for the patella during surgery makes sure it lasts long as part of the fix. A smooth move at this spot means less trouble later on with how you walk or run.
How is the Patella Handled During
Knee replacement surgery is a process that needs care and skill especially when it comes to the patella. Surgeons have methods to handle this bone so it fits well with new parts. The goal is for your knee joint to work smooth after the operation. They check how the patella moves with other bones around it.
First they take out worn parts that cause you pain and trouble moving. Then they get ready to place new parts made from strong materials in your knee joint. Doctors look at how your patella sits and make sure it lines up right.
If needed surgeons may reshape or change the back of your kneecap during knee surgery. This step helps cut down on wear against other new parts in your knee joint. A good match here means less rub and more years without pain.
Lastly doctors fix any soft bits around your kneecap that might be weak or hurt too much. They use stitches or special glue to keep these bits strong as you heal from knee replacement surgery. Doing this gives better support while you move through rehab steps later on.
Rehabilitation and Care for the Patella After Knee Replacement
After knee replacement caring for your patella is key to a good recovery. The first days are about rest and small moves to get you going. Your care team will help you know when and how to start these steps. They’ll show you safe ways to work on getting your strength back without harm.
Rehab exercises often begin with gentle stretches that won’t hurt your new knee joint. You’ll learn ways to bend and straighten the leg that build up the area around the patella. These actions are simple at first but grow harder as you get better. Stick with them even when they seem tough; it’s how you heal right.
As weeks pass walking comes into play more in rehab after knee surgery. A therapist guides you so each step aids healing in your patella and whole knee joint. Keep up with their advice; it’s made just for your case so that health can return full force soon enough!
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my patella be removed during knee replacement?
No typically your patella is not removed. It's reshaped or resurfaced to work with the new joint components.
What kind of pain can I expect around my kneecap after surgery?
Some discomfort is normal as you heal but intense pain should be reported to your doctor right away.
How long does it take for the patella to heal after knee replacement?
Healing times vary by person but full recovery usually takes a few months with proper rehab and care.
This information is for educational purposes only and does not count as medical advice.
