Knee replacement surgery is becoming an increasingly common procedure with success rates as high as 95%. Also known as total knee replacement or knee arthroplasty, it resurfaces a damaged knee. Metal and plastic components are utilised to cap the ends of the knee joint bones, along with the kneecap.
Implant Structure
While implants made of metal alloys are used for the femoral and tibial components, a plastic spacer made of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene is placed in between for cushioning between the metal components.
Revived Mobility
Patients report substantial pain relief and mobility improvement once they recover after knee surgery. Most can walk without any walker or stick, and can engage in a lot of activities that were previously impossible for them. They can walk comfortably, climb stairs, sit cross-legged, drive vehicles, and also engage in their hobbies like socialising, attending functions, gardening, dancing, etc.
Need for Gold Implants
Some people do not benefit as much from knee replacement as others do. One major reason that can affect the outcomes of a total knee replacement is a patient’s allergy to the artificial knee joint. This happens because prosthetic implants may contain titanium or cobalt-chromium-based alloy. This is where Gold Implants prove highly effective.
What is Golden Knee Replacement Surgery?
For patients who are allergic to metals, the Golden knee replacement surgery can be a great option. The surgery is the very same as any other total knee replacement surgery, except for the implants.
The artificial implants used in this surgery have a coating of Titanium Niobium Nitride (TiNbN) on their surface. It is this coating that makes these implants appear golden in colour, and gives them the name – golden implants. Also, this inert coating makes these implants allergy-proof, and the best option for patients with metal allergies. It also enhances the life and performance of knee surgery.
Why Choose a Golden Knee Implant?
Regular metal implants release metal ions in the body. It can be a serious issue for patients with a metal allergy. Such patients may suffer from allergic reactions. While some patients have a mild allergic reaction and their body adjusts with metal implants on its own, other patients may suffer a severe allergic reaction, leading to infection and swelling in the knee area, discolouration around the knee, and eventually loosening of the implant – necessitating the removal of the implant. If this happens, knee surgery will prove fruitless.
The golden knee implants are absolutely safe for patients with metal allergies. There is no allergy, and hence, no allergic reaction. Secondly, these implants ensure a very smooth knee movement, which reduces their wear-and-tear, and makes them approximately twice as durable as regular cobalt-chromium knee implants. That is the reason why golden implants are preferred for patients younger than 60 years. Last but not least, they also ensure faster and effortless recovery.
Let’s have a quick look at the benefits of a Golden Knee Implant
- Biocompatible
- Best option for patients with metal allergy
- Ideal for patients aged below 60
- Can last up to 40 years
- Twice as durable as any other implant
- 5 times stronger than conventional cobalt-chromium alloy implants
- Better surgical outcomes
- Better flexibility and range of motion in the knees
- Faster and effortless recovery
How to Know You are Allergic to Metals?
There are simple ways to identify metal allergy in individuals. If you are fond of artificial jewellery but get redness or rashes when you wear it, it could indicate that you are allergic to nickel. It is because synthetic jewellery has a coating of Nickel.
Some people may notice skin irritation, redness, or rashes when they use metals in some way. A dermatologist may help you find out if you have a metal allergy.
The Bottom Line
Various types of knee implants are used in knee replacement surgery. Metal-on-plastic implants are the most common type of implants. For people sensitive to nickel (a metal used in metal implants), there are ceramic-on-plastic implants. Apart from these, we have golden knee implants.
It is vital to assess all your options before getting knee replacement surgery. Do consider whether you would like to get regular knee surgery or the minimally invasive robotic knee replacement. You should also take into account the type of implant, the cost factor, recovery prospects, etc. before making the final decision for knee replacement.
Have any doubts? At Sohana Hospital, Mohali, you can ask questions and discuss all your queries with the best knee specialist in Chandigarh. Make an informed decision and get back on your feet sooner.