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Knee Replacement Surgery
Enjoy a pain-free life
What is knee replacement surgery?
Knee replacement surgery — also known as knee arthroplasty can help relieve pain and restore function in severely diseased knee joints.
The procedure involves cutting away damaged bone and cartilage from your thighbone, shinbone and kneecap and replacing it with an artificial joint (prosthesis) made of metal alloys, high-grade plastics and polymers.
Knee Replacement Surgery Options
There are two main types of surgery, depending on the condition of the knee:
Total knee replacement (TKR) – both sides of your knee joint are replace. Total knee replacement involves surgically removing the affected damaged cartilage and a thin amount of bone, and then resurfacing it with a prosthesis that takes its place.
Partial knee replacement (PKR), sometimes referred to as a uni-compartmental knee replacement, is an option for a small percentage of people. only one side of your joint is replaced in a smaller operation with a shorter hospital stay and recovery period.
When is a knee replacement surgery needed?
Knee replacement surgery is usually necessary when the knee joint is worn or damaged to the extent that your mobility is reduced and you experience pain even while resting.
Conditions that cause knee damage include:
- knee deformity with pain and loss of cartilage
- disorders that cause unusual bone growth (bone dysplasias
- death of bone in the knee joint following blood supply problems (avascular necrosis)
- a knee injury or trauma
- osteoarthritis, gout, and rheumatoid arthritis
- Inactive lifestyle such as Obesity, as additional weight puts extra force through your joints which can lead to arthritis over a period of time
Advantages of a knee replacement surgery
The most common reason for knee replacement surgery is to relieve severe pain caused by osteoarthritis. People who need knee replacement surgery usually have problems walking, climbing stairs, and getting in and out of chairs. Some also have knee pain at rest.
There are several possible advantages of knee replacement surgery. These include:
- freedom from pain
- improved mobility
- improved quality of life because everyday activities and exercise are easier.
Risks of Knee Replacement Surgery
As with any major surgery, there are potential risks involved. The decision to proceed with the surgery is made because the advantages of surgery outweigh the potential disadvantages.
The risks include stiffness of the knee, infection of the wound,deep infection of the joint replacement, needing further surgery ,unexpected bleeding into the knee joint, ligament, artery or nerve damage in the area around the knee joint, blood clots, persistent knee pain and in some cases, the new knee joint may not be completely stable and further surgery may be needed to correct it.
Freedom from pain
What is involved in a knee replacement?
Your knee surgeon will remove the damaged surfaces of the knee joint and resurface the knee joint with the prosthesis. The knee prosthesis is made up of metal and plastic. The most common type of artificial knee prosthesis is a cemented prosthesis. Uncemented prostheses are not commonly used anymore. A cemented prosthesis attaches to the bone with surgical cement. An uncemented prosthesis attaches to the bone with a porous surface onto which the bone grows to attach to the prosthesis.
The prosthesis is generally comprised of 3 components: the tibial component (to resurface the top of the tibia, or shin bone); the femoral [thigh bone] component (to resurface the end of the thighbone; and the patellar component (to resurface the bottom of the kneecap that rubs against the thighbone).
Recovery after knee replacement surgery
Recovery times can vary depending on the individual and type of surgery being carried out.
Once you’re able to be discharged, your hospital will give you advice about looking after your knee at home. You’ll need to use a frame or crutches at first and a physiotherapist will teach you exercises to help strengthen your knee.
Most people can stop using walking aids around six weeks after surgery, and start driving after about eight to 12 weeks.
Full recovery can take up to two years as scar tissue heals and your muscles are restored by exercise. A very small amount of people will continue to experience some pain after two years.