What is a Knee Replacement?

Knee replacement, also known as knee arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure that involves replacing a damaged or diseased knee joint with an artificial implant. This surgery is typically recommended for individuals with severe knee damage due to arthritis, injury, or other conditions that cause chronic knee pain and impaired function.

Types of Knee Replacement Procedures

There are several types of knee replacement procedures:

• Total Knee Replacement (TKR): Involves replacing the entire knee joint, including the femur (thigh bone), tibia (shin bone), and patella (kneecap).
• Partial Knee Replacement (PKR): Also known as unicompartmental knee replacement, this procedure involves replacing only the damaged part of the knee, preserving as much of the natural knee as possible.
• Bilateral Knee Replacement: Both knees are replaced during the same surgery or in staged procedures.

Candidates for Knee Replacement

Ideal candidates for knee replacement include:

• Severe Knee Pain: Individuals experiencing severe knee pain that limits everyday activities such as walking, climbing stairs, and standing.
• Chronic Inflammation: Persistent knee inflammation and swelling that does not improve with rest or medications.
• Knee Deformity: Noticeable bowing or other deformities of the knee.
• Failed Conservative Treatments: Ineffective relief from nonsurgical treatments like physical therapy, medications, and injections.

The Knee Replacement Procedure

The steps involved in knee replacement typically include:

1. Anesthesia: General anesthesia or spinal/epidural anesthesia to ensure the patient is pain-free during the surgery.
2. Incision: A surgical incision is made over the knee to access the joint.
3. Removal of Damaged Tissue: The damaged bone and cartilage are removed from the femur, tibia, and patella.
4. Implant Placement: The prosthetic components made of metal alloys, high-grade plastics, and polymers are positioned to create a new knee joint.
5. Closing the Incision: The incision is closed with sutures or staples, and a sterile bandage is applied.

Benefits of Knee Replacement

The benefits of knee replacement include:

• Pain Relief: Significant reduction or elimination of chronic knee pain.
• Improved Mobility: Enhanced ability to perform daily activities and improved overall mobility.
• Better Quality of Life: Increased independence and participation in physical activities.
• Correction of Deformity: Improved alignment and stability of the knee joint.

Conclusion