Posted by
For my steam project, it shows how a healthy knee would look like and how it would change if you have osteoarthritis. The image also shows how it can be replaced through a procedure called Total knee arthroplasty
For my steam project, it shows how a healthy knee would look like and how it would change if you have osteoarthritis. The image also shows how it can be replaced through a procedure called Total knee arthroplasty
Chrizle June Maghanoy’s STEAM project depicts the change in the knee joint when affected by osteoarthritis, and the surgical treatment of Total Knee Arthroplasty. Maghanoy’s essay describes how the knee is a synovial hinge joint, which has minimal rotational movement with ample movement along the sagittal plane. The knee joint joins the distal femur, proximal tibia, and the patella, allowing the movement of the lower leg, with the significant articulations of the medial femorotibial, lateral femorotibial, and patellofemoral parts. Osteoarthritis occurs when the soft tissues of the joint are damaged by the rubbing of the joint, causing worsening pain over time and decreased ambulatory capacity. Conservative treatment is recommended first, which includes exercise and physical therapy, medication, bracing, padded shoes, and canes. After conservative treatment proves ineffective, Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA), may be recommended. TKA removes the damaged tissues and inserts a plastic spacer and metal implants into the knee joint, and then resurfaces the bones. After surgery, the patient will most likely go through physical therapy to regain movement, functionality, and muscle mass in the joint. The patient will also be recommended to complete regular exercise, maintain a healthy weight, and keep a healthy diet to aid in the recovery, as well as proactively protect against future damage to the affected knee, or other joints. The recovery is expected to take from six months to a year, and is designed to relieve the patient of pain to lead a normal and unaffected life.