Knee Replacement Surgery: An Overview
Knee replacement surgery is a procedure in which a damaged or worn-out knee joint is replaced with an artificial joint. This surgery is also known as knee arthroplasty. Knee replacement surgery is a common procedure that is usually performed on people who suffer from severe knee pain, stiffness, and disability caused by arthritis or injury.
Knee replacement surgery is a major surgery that involves cutting open the knee joint and removing the damaged or worn-out parts of the joint. The artificial joint, which is made of metal, plastic, or a combination of both, is then implanted into the knee joint.
The surgery can be performed under general or regional anesthesia. In general anesthesia, the patient is completely asleep during the surgery, while in regional anesthesia, only the lower part of the body is numbed. The surgeon will determine the type of anesthesia that is best for the patient based on their health, medical history, and the extent of the surgery.
Types of Knee Replacement Surgery
There are different types of knee replacement surgery, depending on the extent of the damage to the knee joint and the patient's age, health, and medical history. The most common types of knee replacement surgery include:
Total Knee Replacement: This surgery involves replacing the entire knee joint, including the end of the thighbone (femur), the top of the shinbone (tibia), and the knee cap (patella). This is the most common type of knee replacement surgery.
Partial Knee Replacement: This surgery involves replacing only the damaged or worn-out part of the knee joint. This surgery is usually performed on younger patients who have arthritis in only one part of the knee joint.
Revision Knee Replacement: This surgery involves replacing a previously implanted artificial knee joint that has worn out or failed.
Robotic Knee Replacement Surgery:
This is newer mobility in knee replacement surgery. In earlier days, surgeon used to calculate placement of implants manually by measuring devices. Now with robotics, computer navigation helps surgeon in accurate calculation of implant placement. This allows better alignment of leg after surgerey. But overall recovery remain same in manual as well as robotic knee surgery.
Preparing for Knee Replacement Surgery
Before knee replacement surgery, the patient will need to undergo a thorough medical examination, including blood tests, X-rays, and other diagnostic tests to determine their overall health and the extent of the damage to the knee joint. The patient will also need to inform the surgeon of any medications they are taking, including over-the-counter medications and supplements.
The patient will also need to stop taking any blood-thinning medications, such as aspirin or warfarin, several days before the surgery to reduce the risk of bleeding during the surgery. The patient may also need to stop taking any other medications that could interfere with the surgery, such as steroids.
The patient will also need to make arrangements for transportation to and from the hospital and arrange for someone to help them with daily activities during the recovery period.
Recovery from Knee Replacement Surgery
After knee replacement surgery, the patient will need to stay in the hospital for several days to allow for monitoring and recovery. During this time, the patient will receive pain medication to manage the pain and will be encouraged to start moving the knee joint as soon as possible to prevent stiffness.
Physical therapy will also be recommended to help the patient regain strength and range of motion in the knee joint. The physical therapist will work with the patient to develop an exercise plan that is tailored to their specific needs and abilities.
The recovery period from knee replacement surgery can take several weeks or months, depending on the extent of the surgery and the patient's overall health. It is important for the patient to follow the surgeon's instructions and attend all follow-up appointments to ensure a successful recovery.
Risks and Complications
As with any surgery, there are risks and complications associated with knee replacement surgery. Some of the most common risks include bleeding, infection, blood clots, and nerve damage. The risk of complications can be reduced by carefully following the surgeon's instructions and attending all follow-up appointments.
In Conclusion
Knee replacement surgery is a common and effective procedure that can relieve severe knee pain and improve mobility and quality.