Knee replacement, also known as knee arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure to replace damaged parts of the knee joint with artificial components. It’s commonly performed to relieve severe knee pain and improve mobility in individuals with conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or severe knee injuries.
Causes of Knee Replacement:
- Osteoarthritis: The most common reason for knee replacement, osteoarthritis occurs due to wear and tear of the knee joint over time, leading to pain, stiffness, and loss of function.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: This autoimmune condition causes inflammation and damage to the knee joint, resulting in pain and reduced mobility.
- Post-Traumatic Arthritis: Severe knee injuries, such as fractures or ligament tears, can lead to post-traumatic arthritis, which may eventually require knee replacement.
- Other Conditions: Certain bone disorders, such as avascular necrosis, and other degenerative conditions can also necessitate knee replacement surgery.
Types of Knee Replacement:
- Total Knee Replacement (TKR): In TKR, the entire knee joint is replaced with artificial components, including the femoral component (metal), tibial component (metal and plastic), and sometimes a plastic patellar component.
- Partial Knee Replacement: Also known as unicompartmental knee replacement or partial knee arthroplasty, this procedure involves replacing only the damaged portion of the knee joint, typically either the medial (inner) or lateral (outer) compartment of the knee.
Types of Surgeries for Knee Replacement:
- Minimally Invasive Knee Replacement: This technique uses smaller incisions compared to traditional knee replacement surgery, potentially resulting in less tissue damage, reduced pain, and faster recovery.
- Computer-Assisted Surgery: Computer navigation or robotic-assisted techniques can be used to improve the precision and accuracy of implant placement during knee replacement surgery.
- Revision Knee Replacement: In cases where a previous knee replacement has failed or become worn out, revision surgery may be necessary to replace the damaged components.
Different Procedures of Knee Replacement:
- Cemented Knee Replacement: In this procedure, bone cement is used to secure the artificial components to the existing bone.
- Cementless Knee Replacement: In cementless knee replacement, the artificial components have porous surfaces that allow bone to grow into them, providing stability without the need for bone cement.
Advantages of Knee Replacement:
- Pain Relief: Knee replacement surgery can significantly reduce or eliminate chronic knee pain, improving quality of life.
- Improved Mobility: Patients often experience improved range of motion and function in the knee joint after surgery, allowing them to participate in activities they couldn’t before.
- Long-Term Durability: Modern knee implants are designed to last for many years, providing durable relief from knee pain and dysfunction.
Disadvantages of Knee Replacement:
- Risks of Surgery: Like any surgical procedure, knee replacement carries risks such as infection, blood clots, and anesthesia complications.
- Rehabilitation: Recovery from knee replacement surgery requires a period of physical therapy and rehabilitation, and full recovery may take several months.
- Limited Lifespan: While knee replacements can last for many years, they are not indestructible, and some patients may eventually require revision surgery due to wear or loosening of the implants.
It’s essential for individuals considering knee replacement to discuss the potential risks and benefits with their orthopaedic surgeon and to carefully weigh their options based on their specific medical condition and lifestyle.