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Knee Replacement

Knee Replacement Surgery

How Knee Replacement Surgery is Done

Knee Replacement Surgery

Knee replacement surgery, also known as knee arthroplasty, is a common orthopedic procedure aimed at relieving pain and restoring function in patients with severe knee arthritis or significant knee joint damage. This surgical intervention involves replacing damaged or diseased parts of the knee joint with artificial components made of metal and plastic. There are two main types of knee replacement surgeries: total knee replacement (TKR) and partial knee replacement (PKR), each catering to different conditions and degrees of joint damage.

  • Osteoarthritis: A degenerative joint disease that causes the cartilage in the knee to wear away, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis: An autoimmune disorder that can cause inflammation and damage to the knee joint.
  • Post-Traumatic Arthritis: Arthritis that develops following a serious knee injury, such as a fracture or ligament tear.
  • Severe Knee Deformity: Significant deformity in the knee joint due to prolonged arthritis or other conditions.

Partial Knee Replacement (PKR)

Partial knee replacement, also known as unicompartmental knee arthroplasty, is recommended when only one part or compartment of the knee joint is affected by arthritis or damage. This procedure is suitable for patients who:

  • Have Limited Joint Damage: The arthritis or damage is limited to one area of the knee, typically either the inside (medial), outside (lateral), or front (patellofemoral) compartment.
  • Maintain Good Ligament Stability: The ligaments around the knee joint, especially the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), are intact and functioning well.
  • Have Good Bone Quality: Sufficient bone quality and density to support the partial knee replacement components.

How Knee Replacement Surgery is Done
Pre-surgery Preparation:
  • Medical Evaluation: The patient undergoes a thorough medical evaluation, including imaging tests (X-rays, MRI) and possibly blood tests, to assess the extent of knee damage and overall health.
  • Planning: The orthopedic surgeon plans the surgery based on the patient's specific condition and anatomy, determining whether a total or partial knee replacement is appropriate.
Surgical Procedure:
  • Anesthesia The surgery is performed under either general anesthesia (patient is unconscious) or spinal anesthesia (lower body is numbed).
  • Incision: The orthopedic surgeon plans the surgery based on the patient's specific condition and anatomy, determining whether a total or partial knee replacement is appropriate.
  • Resurfacing: In total knee replacement, the surgeon removes damaged bone and cartilage from the femur (thigh bone), tibia (shin bone), and sometimes the patella (kneecap). The ends of these bones are then reshaped to accommodate the artificial components (metal and plastic implants) that will replace the natural joint surfaces.
  • Component Placement: The artificial components (metal implants for the femur and tibia, and a plastic spacer for the space between them) are then secured in place using bone cement or press-fit technique. In partial knee replacement, only the damaged part of the knee joint is resurfaced with artificial components, preserving healthy bone and tissue in the rest of the knee.
  • Closure: After ensuring proper alignment and function of the new joint, the surgeon closes the incision with stitches or staples.
Surgical Procedure:
  • Hospital Stay: Patients undergoing TKR typically stay in the hospital for a few days for monitoring and initial rehabilitation. Patients undergoing PKR may have a shorter hospital stay or even undergo surgery as an outpatient procedure.
  • Physical Therapy: Physical therapy is crucial for both TKR and PKR patients to regain strength, range of motion, and function in the knee joint. This usually begins soon after surgery and continues for several weeks or months.
  • Pain Management: Medications are prescribed to manage post-operative pain and discomfort.
  • Activity Restrictions: Patients are advised to avoid high-impact activities and certain movements that could strain the new joint.
  • Follow-Up Care: Regular follow-up appointments with the orthopedic surgeon are necessary to monitor healing, check for complications, and adjust the rehabilitation plan as needed.

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