Knee replacement surgery, also known as knee arthroplasty is a medical procedure that involves the removal of damaged or diseased parts of the knee joint and replacing them with artificial components, usually made of metal, plastic, or ceramic. This surgery is typically performed to relieve pain and improve function in individuals suffering from severe knee conditions, such as
Osteoarthritis: A degenerative joint disease that leads to
the wear and tear of cartilage, causing pain and stiffness.
Rheumatoid Arthritis: An autoimmune condition that causes
inflammation in the joints, leading to pain and deformity.
Post-traumatic Arthritis: Arthritis that develops after an injury or
trauma to the knee.
Other knee disorders: Such as bone deformities or a vascular
necrosis.
Types of Knee Replacement Surgery
Total Knee Replacement: Involves replacing the entire knee joint with
artificial components.
Partial Knee Replacement: Involves replacing only a portion of the knee
joint when damage is limited to a specific area.
Kneecap Replacement: Involves replacing the undersurface of the
kneecap (patella).
Procedure:
Preparation:
Patients typically undergo preoperative evaluations, including medical history
assessments, physical exams, and imaging studies.
Anesthesia:
The surgery can be done under general or regional anesthesia, depending on the
patient's condition and the surgeon's recommendation.
Incision:
The surgeon makes an incision over the knee to access the joint.
Removal of Damaged Tissue: Damaged bone and cartilage are removed.
Placement of Prosthetics: The artificial components are then fitted and
attached to the remaining bone.
Closure:
The incision is closed with stitches or staples.
Recovery:
After surgery, patients usually spend
some time in the hospital for monitoring and rehabilitation. Physical therapy
is a crucial part of recovery, helping patients regain strength and mobility.
Recovery time can vary, but many individuals can resume everyday activities
within a few months.
Risks:
Like any surgery, knee replacement
carries risks, including infection, blood clots, nerve damage, and
complications from anesthesia. Long-term risks include wear and tear on the
artificial joint, which may require revision surgery later.
Overall, knee replacement surgery can
significantly improve the quality of life for individuals suffering from
chronic knee pain and mobility issues. It is essential for patients to discuss
their specific conditions and treatment options with their healthcare providers
to make informed decisions.
What are the different types of knee replacement surgery
Knee replacement surgery also known as
arthroplasty is performed to relieve pain and restore function to the knee
joint. There are several types of knee replacement surgeries, depending on the
extent of the damage to the knee and the specific needs of the patient.
Total Knee Replacement (TKR): This is the most common type of knee
replacement surgery. In a total knee replacement, the damaged cartilage and
bone from the surface of the knee joint are removed and replaced with
artificial components (prosthetics) on both the femur (thigh bone) and tibia
(shin bone). In some cases, the patella (kneecap) is also resurfaced.
Partial Knee Replacement (PKR): Also known as unicompartmental knee
arthroplasty this procedure involves replacing only the damaged part of the
knee joint. This type of surgery is an option for patients with osteoarthritis
limited to one compartment of the knee. The recovery time is generally quicker
than for a total knee replacement.
Revision Knee Replacement: This type is performed when a previously
implanted knee prosthesis fails or becomes damaged, or when there is an
infection. Revision surgery involves removing the old implant and replacing it
with a new one, which may require more complex surgical techniques.
Bilateral Knee Replacement: This can refer to either simultaneous or staged (sequential) knee replacements for patients who have significant issues in both knees. Simultaneous bilateral knee replacement involves replacing both knees during a single surgery, while staged bilateral knee replacement involves performing one knee surgery followed by the other after a period of recovery.
Custom or Patient-Specific Knee Replacement: This type uses advanced imaging technology
and 3D printing to create a customized implant for the patient. This approach
aims to achieve a better fit and alignment for the knee, potentially improving
outcomes.
Computer-Assisted Knee Surgery (CAK): While not a type of replacement itself,
computer-assisted surgery utilizes technology to aid surgeons in planning and
performing the surgery with greater precision.
Robotic-Assisted Knee Replacement: Similar to computer-assisted surgery, this
technique uses robotic systems to assist the surgeon in implanting the knee
prosthesis with enhanced accuracy.
Resurfacing Arthroplasty: This is a less common technique that involves
replacing only the surface of the knee joint without removing large sections of
bone. This is generally used for younger, more active patients as it preserves
more bone.
The choice of procedure depends on
factors such as the patient's age, activity level, severity of knee damage,
overall health, and the specific recommendations of the orthopedic surgeon.
Always consult with a healthcare professional for a personalized treatment
plan.
Consulting Wellsun Medicity Orthopedics
healthcare professional is essential to determine the most appropriate
treatment plan. Feel Free to Call Our Consultant
Wellsun Medicity
Multispecialty Hospital
8-B/NH-5, Vrindavan Yojna,
Shaheed Path,Lucknow-226029
+91-6389010203/ 18008891200/8810787432
www.wellsunmedicity.com
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