Question

An avid 65-year-old golfer considers total knee replacement surgery to address chronic pain lon loved his golf. He loved the feel of just being out on a golf course. Even into his 60s he still played; his only concession to age-and to a chronically aching knee-was pushing his bag on a wheeled cart instead shoulder. He chalked the bum knee up to aging and managed the pain with wraps ibuprofen, ice, and hot baths. For years his family physician had been urging him to consider a lknee replacement because advances in the procedure made it almost miraculous in relieving pain and allowing near-normal activity. Finally realizing that the pain would only get worse and that he might be prevented from enjoying his golf lon did some research on knee replacement surgery, or knee arthroplasty. Arthroplasty is used as a last resort when other treatments, such as physical therapy and anti-inflammatory drugs, do not relieve the signs and symptoms, and when the patient's discomfort becomes intense. In knee arthroplasty, a total kne dissection is performed, and damaged cartilage and bone, incluading the patella, are removed. The removed natural structures are replaced by synthetic structures made of metal and plastic-typically, a plastic patella rubs against the metal surfaces over the distal femar and proximal tibia. In the United States, the average age for a patient undergoing joint replacement is about 65-70 years. Afte reading about the surgery and speaking with several friends who had had the procedure, Jon decided to undergo knee arthroplasty. Here is an x-ray image of Jon's knees taken 6 months after surgery. He can now walk without pain and has retarned to golf- although his game remains as bad as ever. ea carrying his bag over his ti Which bones compose the functioning knee joint?" 2What purpose would physical therapy serve for a person suffering from joint pain? Classify the knee joint in terms of function and structure, and indicate the types of movements possible at this joint. 4Predict which activities may be restricted following a total knee arthroplasty HP Compaq LE1711

Answer 1

1. A functioning knee joint is composed of two bones - tibia and femur. Thus knee joint is also called tibio-femoral joint.

There is another bone called patella . It is situated in front of the knee joint (Thus called knee cap. ) and doesn't constitute the knee joint.

2. Physical therapy includes a variety of treatment modalities like -:

• Heat therapy
• Exercise therapy
• Tractions

It can alleviate the pain or restore the function of joint.

3.

• Functionally, knee joint is a synovial joint of modified hinge variety. It is not a typical hinge joint because it undergoes some degree of automatic rotation during flexion and extension of knee.
• ​​​​​​Structurally ,it is a compound joint consisting of three articulations - right and left condylar joints between the condyles of femur and tibia and one saddle joint between the femur and patella.
• Types of movements  

Main movements - flexion and extension

Conjunct movements -medial rotation and lateral rotation.

4. After a total knee replacement surgery , normal activities can be resumed after 12 weeks.

Working out hepls to reduce wear and tear of the new knee joint. So low impact exercises should be done. Golf can be played.

There might be some restrictions in kneeling , jumping and running.