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Everyday, 10 Am - 8 Pm

Saroj Fracture & Orthopaedic Clinic

Knee Replacement

Saroj Fracture & Orthopaedic Clinic

What is Knee Replacement?

Knee Replacement is a kind of arthroplasty. Arthroplasty literally means "The Surgical repair of a Joint," and it involves the surgical reconstruction and replacement of degenerated joints, using artificial body parts, or prosthetics.

When the articular cartilage of the knee becomes damaged or worn, it becomes painful and the knee is hard to move. Instead of sliding over each other, the bones rub and crush together.With a prosthesis, the patient will feel less pain, and the knee will move properly.

Types of Knee Replacement Surgery

Knee replacement can be total or partial.

Total Knee Replacement (TKR)

Surgery involves the replacement of both sides of the knee joint. It is the most common procedure.
Surgery lasts between 1 and 3 hours. The individual will have less pain and better mobility, but there will be scar tissue, which can make it difficult to move and bend the knees.

Partial Knee Replacement (PKR)

Partial replacement replaces only one side of the knee joint. Less bone is removed, so the incision is smaller, but it does not last as long as a total replacement.
PKR is suitable for people with damage to only one part of the knee. Post-operative rehabilitation is more straightforward, there is less blood loss and a lower risk of infection and blood clots.
The hospital stay and recovery period are normally shorter, and there is a higher chance of more natural movement.

Reasons for Knee Replacement Surgery

There are three common reasons for the procedure:

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis this type of arthritis is age related, caused by the normal wear and tear of the knee joint. It mostly affects patients aged over 50 years, but younger people may have it.
Osteoarthritis is caused by inflammation, breakdown, and the gradual and eventual loss of cartilage in the joints. Over time, the cartilage wears down and the bones rub together. To compensate, the bones often grow thicker, but this results in more friction and more pain.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis also called inflammatory arthritis, the membrane around the knee joint to become thick and inflamed. Chronic inflammation damages the cartilage, causing soreness and stiffness.

Post-Traumatic Arthritis

This type of arthritis is due to a severe knee injury. When the bones around the knee break or the ligaments tear, this will affect the knee cartilage.

Who might need a Knee Replacement?

Knee surgery may be suitable for patients who experience:

  • Severe knee pain or stiffness that prevents them from carrying out everyday tasks and activities, such as walking, going upstairs, getting in and out of cars, getting up from a chair
  • Moderate but continuous knee pain that continues while sleeping or resting
  • Chronic knee inflammation and swelling that does not improve after taking medications or resting
  • Knee deformity, where there is a noticeable arch on the inside or outside of the knee

What are Risks Involved?

Total Knee Replacements have low complication rates. Possible complications include:

  • Infection, which affects fewer than 2 percent of patients.
  • A blood clot in the legs, known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
  • A blood clot in the lungs, or pulmonary embolism.
  • A fracture duing or after surgery.
  • Nerve damage, leading to numbness or weakness.
  • Continued pain or stiffness.
Frequently Asked Question

Knee replacement surgery, also known as knee arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure in which the damaged parts of the knee joint are removed and replaced with artificial joint components. The goal of the surgery is to reduce pain and improve mobility in the knee.

Knee replacement surgery may be recommended for people who have severe knee pain and disability due to osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or other conditions that have damaged the joint. The surgery is typically recommended for people who have tried other treatments, such as medications and physical therapy, and have not found relief.

Knee replacement surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia. The surgeon will make an incision in the skin over the knee and then remove the damaged bone and cartilage from the joint. The artificial joint components are then attached to the remaining bone using special cement or a press-fit method. The incision is closed with sutures or staples, and a dressing is applied.

Recovery after knee replacement surgery can take several weeks to several months, depending on the person’s age, overall health, and the severity of their condition. Physical therapy is typically recommended after surgery to help strengthen the muscles around the knee and improve mobility. Most people are able to return to their normal activities, including work and leisure activities, within a few months of surgery.

As with any surgery, there are risks and potential complications associated with knee replacement surgery. These may include infection, bleeding, blood clots, nerve or blood vessel damage, and adverse reactions to anesthesia. Your surgeon will discuss the risks and benefits of the surgery with you before the procedure, and you can ask any questions you may have.