What is Knee Replacement Surgery?
Knee replacement surgery is a medical procedure; orthopedic surgeon will replace damaged knee joint with artificial knee joint made of polymers, metal alloys and high-grade plastics and it helps to walk easier and can do their day to day activity. It’s also known as Knee Arthroplasty.
Types of replacement surgery
- - Total Knee Replacement Surgery
- - Partical Knee Replacement Surgery
Total Knee Replacement surgery:
Total knee replacement surgery involves replacing the damaged part of the knee with a new one involving the removal of the damaged joint and replacing it with an artificial joint consisting of metal and plastic. This procedure involves the resurfacing of a damaged knee and can be very effective and successful regardless of a patient's age.
Parital Knee Replacement surgery:
A partial knee replacement is recommended for patients with osteoarthritis or severe knee pain, and the procedure is performed through a smaller incision, so there is less scarring and a faster recovery. The healthy part of the knee is preserved during this surgery .If the condition of the knee and the patient's overall health are taken into account by a orthopedic specialist, the most fitting treatment choice will be determined.
Major difference between Partial vs. total knee replacement:
Knee replacement procedures vary depending on the affected areas of the knee joints and the extent of pain patients are suffering from. A knee consists of three compartments:
- - Medial compartment (inside of the knee)
- - Lateral compartment (outside of the knee)
- - Patellofemoral compartment (in front of the knee)
| Sno | Partial Knee Replacement Surgery | Total Knee Replacement Surgery |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Involves replacement of only damaged parts of knee joint with prosthesis | Involves replacement of entire knee joint with prosthesis |
| 2 | Advised for patients with minimal knee deformity | Advised for patients suffering from long-term arthritis |
| 3 | Preserves undamaged parts of the knee | Less Pain & Greater knee mobility after surgery |
| 4 | Quick recovery time | High Success Rates |
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Who Should Get Knee Replacement Surgery?
Knee replacement surgery is commonly performed for the following reasons:
- - Difficulty in walking
- - Severe knee pain that limits your daily activities
- - Swelling around the knee
- - Long lasting knee inflammation
- - Knee deformity
- - Moderate or severe knee pain while resting
What Happens Before Knee Replacement Surgery?
When your orthopedic specialist recommends you to undergo a knee replacement surgery, you will be instructed to do some "prehabilitation, before proceeding to the surgery which includes stretching, strength training, and exercise. If needed, you might also undergo formal physical therapy as well. Knee replacements are meant to improve your quality of life as much as possible, and that process begins even before going through the surgery. And this is really important to ensure quick recovery post surgery.
While planning for surgery, you might need to look out for support who can assist you through your surgery and recovery as well. It could be a family member or friend who will be able to do the following:
- - Go to the preoperative evaluation with you
- - Participate in some therapy sessions with you
- - Take part in a training session for discharge directions
- - Stay with you at the hospital for post-operative activities
What Happens During Knee Replacement Surgery?
During the knee replacement procedure, your surgeon will make an incision to expose the knee joint while you are anesthetized. There is usually an 8 to 10 inch (20 to 25 centimeter) incision through which the procedure is carried out. Next, your surgeon will remove your kneecap (patella) and cut the ends of your thigh and shin (lower leg) bone to accommodate the prosthesis. Once the damaged parts of the knee are replaced with the artificial joint, the incision is stitched.
What Happens After Knee Replacement Surgery?
After surgery, you will be moved to a recuperation room and you may need to stay in the hospital for 1-2 days, for observation. Most patients can go home the same day after surgery without staying overnight in the hospital. Your doctor team will help you by taking precautions like pain medication so that you can fully participate in recovery activities. A physical therapist will help you get out of bed, sit, and walk for a short distance. Your doctor will advise a set of exercises to help regain the ability to bend your knee.
Once you are ready for the discharge, a personal coach will be assigned by the doctor's team to assist during the recovery process. You will receive thorough instructions from the personal coach, such as safety tips to protect your joint, managing the pain while exercising and to prevent complications. You should workout for at least 30 minutes on low-impact aerobic exercises for thrice a week. Walking, biking and swimming are all examples of appropriate exercises for joint replacement patients which can be done after getting doctor’s advice once the patient is recovered.