Understanding Knee Replacement Surgery

What is knee replacement surgery?

Knee replacement surgery is a medical procedure for individuals with severe knee damage. It is one of the most successful orthopedic procedures performed today. In this article, we will help you understand the procedure, recovery process, and outcomes.

Knee replacement surgery involves the replacement of a damaged knee joint with an artificial component. The artificial component can be made from metal or plastic. It helps alleviate pain and restore movement for people suffering from knee problems.

Knee problems could be due to arthritis, injury, or wear and tear. It can reduce discomfort and restore function in the knee joint.

Anatomy of the knee

The knee joint is the largest in the human body. It is used to perform daily activities. The knee is made of the femur (thighbone), the tibia (shinbone), and the patella (kneecap). The ends of these bones are covered with cartilage that protects the bones. The cartilage helps to move these bones easily.

The menisci are C-shaped pads between the thighbone and the shinbone. They are like cushions that protect the knee joint.

There are strong ligaments that keep the knee stable. The thigh muscles provide support to the knee. The inside of the knee has a thin tissue called the synovial membrane. This tissue lubricates the knee to help it move smoothly.

Normally, all these parts work perfectly. But when there’s an injury or disease, it can lead to pain, weakness, and issues with movement.

Types of knee replacement surgery

Knee replacement surgery is of two types:

Total knee replacement (TKR): In this type of surgery, the entire knee joint is replaced. Both the sides of the joint are resurfaced.
Partial Knee Replacement: In this type of surgery, only the damaged portion is replaced. It is a less invasive option with faster recovery time.

Reasons for knee replacement surgery

Knee replacement surgery is recommended for people with severe knee pain that interferes with their daily activities. The surgery is done only when other treatments fail to provide relief. Knee pain can be caused by:

Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis leads to damage of joint cartilage. This damage restricts movement and can cause pain. People with this degenerative joint disease are not able to do normal activities such as bending the knee, walking, or climbing the stairs. The knee gradually wears away resulting in pain, stiffness, and mobility issues.
Rheumatoid Arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease in which the knee joint becomes inflamed. This swelling can cause damage to the cartilage and the bone. It can also lead to joint deformity.
Post-traumatic Arthritis: Fractures, torn cartilage, or ligament damage can lead to arthritis in the knee. These can lead to long-term discomfort and thus knee replacement surgery is recommended.
Failed Meniscus tear surgery: If meniscus tear surgery or partial knee replacement has not shown any improvement in knee pain, then a total knee replacement is the best option.

Ideal candidates for knee replacement surgery

Knee replacement surgery is usually recommended for people over the age of 50. But younger individuals can also be recommended depending upon the severity. The decision for a knee replacement surgery depends upon the individual’s level of pain, mobility, and knee health. You might be suggested for a knee replacement if:

You have chronic knee pain limiting your daily activities.
Your knee pain persists even while resting or sleeping.
Other treatments like physical therapy or medications are not providing any relief.
Your knee is deformed.
Bending or straightening your knee is difficult.

Surgery is only recommended if nothing else works to provide relief.

Steps involved in knee replacement surgery

If you have been recommended knee replacement surgery, it is necessary to understand the process. It is a major procedure and is also one of the most successful surgeries performed today. The following are the steps involved:

Pre-surgery preparation: Before the surgery, the patient’s medical history will be reviewed. Physical exams and imaging tests such as X-rays or MRIs will be conducted. This ensures that the surgeon knows the condition of the patient’s knee.
The surgical procedure:
Anesthesia: Either general anesthesia or spinal anesthesia will be given, depending upon the surgeon’s recommendation. General anesthesia will put the patient to sleep while spinal anesthesia will numb the lower half of the patient’s body.
Removal of damaged tissue: An incision will be made to access the knee joint. The damaged cartilage and bone are taken out.
Insertion of artificial joint: After removing the damaged parts, the surgeon will replace them with artificial components made of plastic or metal. They will mimic the natural movement of the knee and help restore mobility.
Post-surgery closure: After replacing with artificial components, the incision will be closed with stitches or staples. A bandage will be applied and you will be taken for your rehabilitation.

Recovery and rehabilitation

Recovering from knee replacement surgery is a slow process. The goal is to regain mobility and manage pain, and swelling.

Hospital stay: Most patients usually stay at the hospital for 2-3 days after surgery. The nurses and the physical therapists will assist you in starting to walk with the help of crutches or a walker.
Management of pain: Pain is bound to be present after the knee replacement surgery. This pain can be managed by taking the medications prescribed by your doctor. Gradually the pain will reduce and the mobility will increase.
Physical therapy: Soon after the surgery the patient will start physical therapy. This will help regain strength and motion in the knee. The exercises will help to improve the ability to walk, bend, and straighten the knee.
Home recovery: Physical therapy will have to be continued at home or a rehabilitation center. Daily exercises to strengthen the knee will have to be performed. Within a few weeks, the patient will be able to walk with the help of a walker or a cane.
Returning to normal activities: Most people can return to their normal activities within 3-6 months. But every person’s timeline is different. High-impact activities should be avoided. Low-impact exercises such as yoga, walking, swimming, and cycling are recommended for maintaining good joint health.

Benefits of knee replacement surgery

Pain relief: Most patients experience a reduction in pain after surgery. It becomes easier to move, walk, and resume daily activities without any discomfort.
Improved mobility and function: You will be able to move freely and bend your knee more easily due to the new and replaced joint.
Better quality of life: Knee replacement surgery will help you return to your usual activities such as walking, gardening, or playing with your grandchildren. You will regain your independence leading to an enhanced quality of life.
Long-term results: Modern knee replacement surgeries last for about 15-20 years. This will allow you to enjoy long-lasting results of the surgery.

Risks and complications

The complications after a knee replacement surgery are very low. Any serious complications are rare. Most patients recover without any issues. But if any complications arise, they can limit complete recovery. Some of the common risks include:

Infection: infection can arise at the incision site or can spread to the joint also. This will require additional surgery. Infection may also arise around the prosthesis. It can occur within days or weeks of the surgery or even years later. If it is a minor infection, it can be treated with antibiotics.
Blood clots: These are the most common complications. Blood clots can be life-threatening in case they reach the lungs. You may be prescribed with blood thinners to reduce this risk.
Implant failures: The implant may wear down or loosen over time, though this is very rare. But if it happens, it may require surgery to replace the worn-out components.
Continued pain: Few patients continue to experience pain after the knee replacement surgery. However, this is very rare.
Nerve damage: Nerves near the knee could be damaged during the surgery. This can lead to temporary or permanent weakness in the leg.

Also Read : Top Solutions for Back Pain: Understanding Causes, Effective Treatments, and Prevention

Alternatives to knee replacement surgery

Not everyone would like to undergo knee replacement surgery. For such patients, there are non-surgical alternatives that can give relief from knee pain. Some of the common alternatives include:

Physical therapy: The muscles around the knee can be strengthened with the help of physical therapy. It helps to improve mobility without any surgery. Your physical therapist will design a customized exercise plan to improve knee mobility and reduce swelling.
Medications: Medications prescribed by your doctor can help temporarily relieve pain and swelling in the knee joint.
Hyaluronic acid injections: This involves injecting a gel-like substance into the knee. This helps cushion and lubricate the knee joint and helps to ease the pain and improve mobility.
Partial knee replacement: When only a part of the knee is damaged, partial knee replacement is suggested. This procedure helps preserve more of the natural joint. Moreover, it also has a faster recovery rate.
Low-impact exercises: Low-impact exercises including swimming, cycling, walking, and yoga help build muscles that support the knee. They can improve flexibility and reduce stiffness.
Lose weight: Knees help to sit, stand, or walk. Losing weight will reduce the pressure on the knees and alleviate knee pain. Weight loss can also help reduce swelling in the knees

FAQs

1.How long does the knee replacement surgery last?

Knee replacement surgery takes around 50 minutes to 1 hour. However, the anesthesiologist also requires some time to prepare you for the surgery. Moreover, certain procedures after surgery will make you stay in the operation room for about two to two-and-a-half hours

2.Is there any harm in delaying the knee replacement surgery for too long?

If the knee arthritis worsens, the stiffness in the joint will also worsen. This can make the surgery more demanding leading to a longer recovery period and more physical therapy.

In some situations, joint flexibility may never return to normal. Long wait time for the surgery can negatively impact the outcome and you may not get the complete benefits.

3.How soon can I resume normal activities after knee surgery?

Recovery timelines vary by individual and procedure type. Generally, you can return to basic activities in 3-6 weeks. You can resume driving in 4-8 weeks and expect a full recovery in 3-12 months. Always follow your surgeon’s instructions for activity progression.

4. Are there any age limitations for knee replacement surgery?

While there is no specific age restriction, knee replacement surgery is generally recommended for individuals over 50 years old.

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