What is Knee Replacement Surgery
Knee replacement surgery, also known as knee arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to relieve pain and restore function in individuals with severe knee damage or arthritis. During the surgery, a damaged or worn-out knee joint is replaced with an artificial implant made of metal, plastic, or ceramic materials. This procedure is typically recommended for patients who have not found relief from conservative treatments, such as medications, physical therapy, or injections.
Types of Knee Replacement
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Total Knee Replacement: The entire knee joint is replaced, including the femoral and tibial surfaces, as well as the patella.
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Partial Knee Replacement: Only the damaged part of the knee joint is replaced, preserving healthy bone and tissue in other areas.
What Are The Main Reasons For Needing A Knee Replacement?
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Severe Osteoarthritis: The most common reason, causing pain, stiffness, and swelling that limit your daily activities.
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Rheumatoid Arthritis: An autoimmune condition that leads to joint inflammation, damaging the knee over time.
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Post-Traumatic Arthritis: Injury to the knee from accidents or fractures can lead to arthritis and require replacement.
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Loss of Mobility: If walking, climbing stairs, or standing becomes difficult even with medication and physical therapy.
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Chronic Knee Pain: Severe, persistent pain that affects sleep or rest, despite other treatments.
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Cartilage Loss: Extensive wear and tear resulting in bone rubbing against bone, causing significant pain and limited function.
Knee Replacement Procedure Steps
Here are the general steps involved in a knee replacement procedure:
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Preparation: The patient is positioned, and anesthesia (either general or spinal) is administered. The surgical area is then cleaned and sterilized.
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Incision:The surgeon makes an incision (typically 6 to 10 inches long) over the front of the knee to access the joint.
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Removal of Damaged Tissue: The surgeon carefully removes damaged cartilage, bone, and any other tissue from the knee joint.
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Reshaping the Bone:The ends of the femur (thigh bone) and tibia (shin bone) are reshaped to fit the new prosthetic components.
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Implant Placement:The artificial knee components are then attached. The femoral component (usually made of metal) is attached to the thigh bone, and the tibial component (a metal and plastic part) is attached to the shin bone. Sometimes, a plastic button is added to the underside of the kneecap (patella) if needed.
- Alignment and Balancing:The surgeon tests the knee to ensure the implants are properly aligned and balanced, ensuring smooth movement.
- Cementing or Fixing:The prosthetic components are either cemented into place or press-fitted for natural bone growth.
- Closure:The incision is carefully closed with stitches or staples, and a bandage is applied.
- Post-Procedure:The patient is taken to the recovery room for monitoring and later guided through rehabilitation exercises to regain knee movement.
This process can vary slightly based on individual needs, but these steps outline the typical knee replacement procedure.
For expert knee replacement surgery in Mumbai, contact Kapadia Hospital today. Our experienced surgeons provide personalized care to ensure the best outcomes. Reach out now to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward pain-free mobility.
Is Knee Replacement Surgery Painful?
Knee replacement surgery itself isn't painful due to anesthesia, but some discomfort is expected afterward as part of the healing process. Pain is typically most intense during the first few days but is managed with pain medication. As you begin physical therapy, you might feel some soreness, but this gradually reduces over time. Most patients experience significant relief from pre-surgery knee pain within a few months as they continue their recovery and rehabilitation.