Knee replacement surgery, known as knee arthroplasty, is a major surgical procedure resurfacing the knee joint. It involves the removal of damaged bone and cartilage and its replacement with an artificial implant.
Knee replacement surgery is typically recommended for treating severe arthritis or knee injuries that have not responded to other treatments. The main goals of this surgery are to ease pain and restore proper knee functioning.
According to recent statistics, around 2,00,000 knee replacement surgeries were performed in India in 2020. With proper care, knee replacements can last up to 20 years with a success rate of 90%.
However, it is not a quick fix. Significant aftercare, including physical therapy, is required to ensure proper healing and recovery.
While knee replacement surgery is a major operation, improved mobility and reduced pain can greatly improve a patient’s quality of life.
Types of knee replacement surgery
There are four main types of knee replacement surgeries:
- Total knee replacement
- Unicompartmental (partial) knee replacement
- Kneecap replacement (patellofemoral arthroplasty)
- Complex or revision knee replacement
Total knee replacement is the type of knee replacement surgery that involves the removal of the entire damaged knee joint and its replacement with an artificial implant. This procedure is recommended for patients with advanced arthritis or severe knee injuries.
Unicompartmental (partial) knee replacement is a less invasive option for patients with damage limited to one part of the knee joint. This procedure involves the replacement of only the damaged section of the knee joint with an artificial implant.
Kneecap replacement (patellofemoral arthroplasty) is a surgery that involves the replacement of the kneecap with an artificial implant. This type of surgery is recommended for patients with isolated damage to the kneecap.
Complex or revision knee replacement is performed when a previous knee replacement surgery has failed or complications have arisen. This surgery involves removing and replacing the original implant with a new one.
Consult with a qualified orthopaedic surgeon to determine the type of knee replacement surgery right for you based on your unique medical history and condition.
Why is knee replacement surgery needed?
There are several reasons why knee replacement surgery may be necessary.
- Knee replacement surgery is commonly performed to ease arthritis pain. Arthritis causes inflammation of the joints and can result in significant pain and stiffness. Knee replacement surgery can help to alleviate this pain and improve mobility.
- Another reason is an issue with walking, climbing, or sitting. Patients may experience difficulty with these activities due to knee pain or stiffness caused by injury or arthritis.
- Torn cartilage, ligament or fracture can also lead to the need for knee replacement surgery. If these issues are not treated properly, they can cause significant damage to the knee joint, resulting in pain and mobility issues.
- Knee deformity is another reason why the surgery may be necessary. This can be caused by various conditions, such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, which can cause the knee joint to become misaligned and lead to pain and discomfort.
- Finally, chronic knee swelling and inflammation can also result in the need for knee replacement surgery. Various conditions, such as gout or infection, can cause this.
What happens in knee replacement surgery?
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of what typically happens during a knee replacement surgery:
- General anaesthesia is administered via an intravenous (IV) line to help the patient sleep through the procedure.
- A urinary catheter is inserted to drain urine during the surgery.
- The surgical team prepares the knee for surgery by cleaning the skin with an antiseptic solution.
- An incision is made in the front of the knee, and the kneecap is moved to the side to access the joint.
- The surgeon removes the damaged portions of the shin and thigh bones to create space for the new joint.
- The artificial joint, typically made of metal and plastic, is created and secured.
- In some cases, the kneecap is replaced and moved back into position.
- The incision is closed with stitches or staples, and a dressing is applied to the wound.
- Any excess fluid is removed from the joint, and the knee is bandaged.
After surgery, patients are monitored in the recovery room before being moved to their hospital room.
Physical therapy is typically started soon after the surgery to help improve mobility and strength. Pain management is also an important aspect of recovery; patients are prescribed pain medications as needed.
Precautions after total knee replacement
After total knee replacement surgery, taking certain precautions is important to ensure proper healing and avoid complications.
Here are some important precautions to follow:
- Avoid bending or squatting while dressing or performing other activities.
- Don’t put on pants while standing up.
- Keep the knee straight while sitting.
- Avoid sitting in the same position for extended periods.
- Avoid using low-seated tools or chairs.
- Avoid climbing long flights of stairs.
- Avoid contact sports or other high-impact activities.
- Don’t lift heavy weights.
- Use a walker or cane as needed to assist with walking and balance.
It’s important to follow these precautions as directed by your healthcare provider to ensure proper healing and reduce the risk of complications.
Physical therapy and exercise can also help regain strength and mobility in the knee joint following surgery.
Conclusion
In conclusion, knee replacement surgery, also known as knee arthroplasty, is a major surgical procedure that involves resurfacing a damaged knee joint with metal and plastic components.
While it carries some risks, it is a highly successful procedure with a high patient satisfaction rate. It can greatly improve the quality of life for those suffering from severe arthritis or knee injuries.
