Knee issues are a big deal. And there is a noticeable change in how doctors are handling them. In the past, doctors would try to fix broken bones around the knee using other methods. But nowadays, there is a growing trend toward primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA). This is a fancy term for replacing the whole knee joint.

The European Knee Society (EKS) is a group of experts who make important decisions. They recently looked into the use of TKA for knee fractures. They reviewed a bunch of studies and came up with scientific evidence.

The first thing to note is that knee fractures are common and debilitating. They can happen to anyone, but they are more likely in older adults. This is because bones become fragile as we age. The main causes of these fractures are falls and sports injuries.

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a surgery that involves replacing the knee joint. The procedure is usually reserved for severe cases of arthritis. But now, doctors are considering it for knee fractures as well. This is a big shift in treatment protocols.

The EKS discussed this shift and voted on four key points. The first point was about the effectiveness of TKA for knee fractures. The second point was about the risks involved. The third point was about who should get the surgery. And the fourth point was about when to do the surgery.

The EKS found that TKA can be a good option for certain knee fractures, especially for older adults. But there are risks involved. The main risks are infection and blood clots. So, doctors need to be careful and consider the pros and cons of the surgery.

The EKS also agreed that the surgery should be done by experienced surgeons. These are doctors who have done a lot of knee replacement surgeries before. They also agreed that the surgery should be done as soon as possible. This is because the longer you wait, the harder it is to fix the bone and the more complications can arise.

The EKS also noted that there are other treatment options for knee fractures. These include open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). This is a surgery that involves putting the bone back together. It is also more commonly used for certain types of fractures

In conclusion, the use of TKA for knee fractures is a complex issue. It has its benefits and risks. Doctors need to carefully consider these factors before deciding on the best course of treatment. It is important to note that the EKS is not saying that TKA is the best treatment for all knee fractures. They are saying that it can be a good option for certain cases.

Fractures around the knee are a serious issue. They can cause long-lasting pain and disability. Therefore, it is important to seek medical help as soon as possible. You should also discuss all treatment options with your doctor. This will help you make an informed decision about your health.

How Doctors are Changing the Game for Broken Knees

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