Tulip Hospital got The best knee replacement surgeons, with hundreds of cases using Computer Navigation Technology for minimally invasive knee replacement surgery.
A knee replacement (also known as knee arthroplasty, total knee replacement) is a procedure that resurfaces a damaged knee. The kneecap and ends of the bones that make up the knee joint are covered with metal or plastic. For those with severe arthritis or severe knee injuries, this surgery might be an option.
Also check it out the Complete Guide Laparoscopic Surgery – Procedure, Treatment, Benefits.
What is Knee Replacement?
Knee replacement, also known as knee arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure that restores the normal function of the knee. In this surgical procedure, a damaged, diseased or worn-out knee joint is removed and replaced with an artificial one. This includes cutting and replacing any cartilage and bones. These artificial parts are made of either metal or plastic.
If you have progressive knee pain that has affected the function of your knee joint, or if you can feel the pain while you rest, this surgery may be necessary. Nearly 90% of patients experienced a significant reduction in pain and improved mobility.
Knee replacement surgery is performed to repair or replace damaged parts of the knee joint and relieve any pain in the knee that is not controlled by other methods.
When a Knee Surgery is needed?
Knee replacement surgery can be used to treat pain or disability in the knee. Osteoarthritis is the most common reason for knee replacement surgery.
Osteoarthritis can be described as the destruction of joint cartilage. The cartilage and bones can be damaged and cause pain. Due to severe degenerative joint disease, people may find it difficult to perform normal activities such as climbing stairs or walking that require bending at the knee. Because the joint is unstable, it may cause swelling or “give-way” in the knee.
There is various reason for Knee surgery, but Below is the most common ones:
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate
- Pain medications
- Limiting painful activities
- Assistive devices for walking (such as a cane)
- Physical therapy
- Cortisone injections into the knee joint
- Viscosupplementation injections (to add lubrication into the joint to make joint movement less painful)
- Weight loss (for obese persons)
Types of knee replacement surgery
Total knee replacement: Most total knee replacements involve the replacement of the joints at the ends of the thigh bone and the top of the shin bone. Total knee replacement can also include the replacement of the kneecap (patella), but many surgeons prefer to leave the patella as it is, because it is less likely that it will fracture. The worn kneecap will move against a smooth, metal surface which should reduce pain. It may be necessary to replace the surface of the kneecap that is causing you pain.
Partial Knee Replacement Surgery : If your arthritis is limited to one side of the knee, usually the inner side, it might be possible for a partial or unicompartmental replacement. Although it is not suitable for all, this operation is usually less complex and allows for faster recovery. Partial knee replacement provides the same pain relief as total knee replacement but without bruising or scarring. A partial knee replacement can often restore movement to the same level as before and is usually more effective than a total knee replacement. Partial knee replacements can often be performed with a smaller incision (or cut) than a total replacement. This is called minimally invasive or reduced invasive surgery. The recovery time may be reduced if the incision is smaller.
Kneecap replacement: If your knee is affected by arthritis, it’s possible to replace the entire undersurface of the kneecap as well as its groove. This operation is also known as a patellofemoral arthroplasty or patellofemoral re-implantation. This operation is more likely to fail than total knee replacement due to arthritis spreading to other areas of the knee. While some surgeons recommend a total knee replacement, others believe it’s safer and more predictable. Others feel it’s better for the remaining knee joint to be preserved if it isn’t affected by arthritis. Only 1/10 people suffering from osteoarthritis can have the operation. If arthritis does not progress, kneecap replacement may be a good option. It’s also less expensive and offers a quicker recovery.
Revision knee replacement: Also known as secondary knee replacement surgery. If the first total knee replacement is unsuccessful, your orthopedic surgeon may recommend revision surgery. This involves replacing the original implant with a new one.
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