Knee Replacement Surgery

Knee replacement surgery, also called knee arthroplasty, is a procedure where a damaged or worn-out knee joint is replaced with an artificial joint made of metal and plastic. It is usually done to relieve pain and improve mobility for people with severe arthritis or knee injuries. The damaged parts of the knee are removed and replaced with prosthetic components that mimic the function of a natural knee. This surgery helps patients regain normal activities, reduce pain, and improve quality of life when other treatments like medication and therapy no longer work.

Conditions Treated with Knee Replacement

Knee replacement surgery is often used to treat several severe knee conditions:

Osteoarthritis: This is the most common reason for knee replacement. It causes the cartilage in the knee to wear down, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced movement.
Rheumatoid Arthritis: This is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in the knee joints, leading to pain and joint damage.
Post-Traumatic Arthritis: This type of arthritis occurs after a serious knee injury or fracture, which damages the joint and leads to arthritis over time.
Severe Knee Deformities: Conditions like bowlegs or knock-knees can cause pain and difficulty moving, and knee replacement can help correct these issues.
Avascular Necrosis: This condition happens when blood flow to the knee is disrupted, causing the bone to die and leading to pain and joint damage.

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About Knee Replacement Surgery

Knee replacement surgery, or knee arthroplasty, involves removing a damaged or worn-out knee joint and replacing it with an artificial one made of metal and plastic. This procedure is typically recommended for individuals with severe knee pain or limited mobility due to arthritis or injury. The surgery aims to relieve pain, improve joint function, and enhance quality of life.

Types of Knee Replacement Surgery

Total Knee Replacement (TKR): In this surgery, the entire knee joint is replaced. The damaged bone and cartilage from the thigh, shin, and kneecap are removed and replaced with artificial components made of metal and plastic. This is the most common type of knee replacement, providing long-term relief from severe pain and disability.
Partial Knee Replacement (PKR): Only the damaged part of the knee is replaced in this procedure. It’s suitable for patients with arthritis affecting just one part of the knee. The recovery time for PKR is usually faster compared to TKR.
Kneecap Replacement (Patellofemoral Arthroplasty): This type replaces only the kneecap or the front part of the knee joint. It’s used when damage is limited to the kneecap area.
Revision Knee Replacement: This surgery is performed to replace a previously implanted knee joint that has worn out or failed over time.

Benefits of Knee Replacement Surgery

Pain Relief: One of the main benefits is significant pain relief. After surgery, many people experience a dramatic reduction in knee pain, which can greatly improve their daily comfort.
Improved Mobility: Knee replacement can restore movement in the joint. Patients often regain the ability to walk, climb stairs, and perform daily activities more easily.
Enhanced Quality of Life: By reducing pain and improving function, knee replacement surgery helps people return to activities they enjoy, such as walking, gardening, or playing sports.
Increased Stability: The new knee joint can provide better stability and balance, reducing the risk of falls and injuries.
Long-Term Solution: Knee replacement offers a long-term solution for severe arthritis or joint damage, often lasting 15-20 years or more with proper care.

Risks of Knee Replacement Surgery

Infection: There's a small risk of infection at the surgery site or in the new joint. Infections can be serious and may require additional treatment.
Blood Clots: After surgery, blood clots can form in the legs, which may lead to complications if they travel to the lungs (pulmonary embolism).
Bleeding: Some bleeding may occur during or after the procedure, which can cause complications and may need additional medical attention.
Joint Stiffness: The new knee joint may become stiff, making it harder to move. This can be managed with physical therapy.
Nerve or Blood Vessel Damage: There’s a small chance of damaging nerves or blood vessels around the knee, which can cause numbness or other issues.
Prosthesis Problems: The artificial knee may wear out or loosen over time, potentially requiring revision surgery.

Procedure of Knee Replacement Surgery

The procedure for Knee Replacement Surgery

Pre-operative testing for this procedure includes a medical evaluation, blood samples, electrocardiogram, stress test, chest X-ray and urine sample
Bone preparation is done to accommodate the artificial components of the knee joint.
Implant placement, patellar resurfacing, testing and adjustment, and wound closure are a part of the rest of the procedure
Physical therapy and rehabilitation play a crucial role in the recovery process.

During the procedure

Knee replacement surgery usually takes 1 to 2 hours. To perform the procedure, the surgeon:

Makes an incision over the knee.
Removes diseased and damaged bone and cartilage, leaving healthy bone intact.
Implants the replacement parts into the thighbone, shinbone, and kneecap

After the procedure

For most people, knee replacement provides pain relief, improved mobility, and a better quality of life. Most knee replacements can be expected to last at least 15 to 20 years.

After recovery, you can engage in various low-impact activities, such as walking, swimming, golfing or biking. But you should avoid higher impact activities, such as jogging, and sports that involve contact or jumping.