Knee replacement surgery, also known as total knee arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure to replace a damaged or diseased knee joint with an artificial implant. It is typically performed to relieve severe knee pain, improve function, and restore mobility in individuals with advanced knee arthritis, significant joint damage, or other knee conditions that do not respond to conservative treatments. Here are key points about knee replacement surgery:

 

  1. Indications: Knee replacement surgery is recommended for individuals with severe knee pain, stiffness, and functional limitations that significantly interfere with daily activities and quality of life. Common reasons for knee replacement include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, post-traumatic arthritis, avascular necrosis, and severe knee fractures.

  2. Procedure: During knee replacement surgery, the damaged or worn-out components of the knee joint (the femur, tibia, and patella) are removed and replaced with artificial implants made of metal, plastic, or ceramic materials. The procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia or spinal anesthesia and involves several steps:

    • Accessing the knee joint through an incision on the front of the knee.
    • Resurfacing the ends of the thigh bone (femur) and shin bone (tibia) to create a smooth surface for the artificial components.
    • Implanting a metal femoral component, a metal or plastic tibial component, and a plastic patellar component to replace the damaged knee surfaces.
    • Closing the incision with sutures or staples.

  3. Types of Implants: There are different types of knee implants available, including fixed-bearing implants (where the plastic component is fixed to the metal component) and mobile-bearing implants (where the plastic component can move slightly within the metal component). The choice of implant depends on various factors, such as the patient’s age, activity level, knee anatomy, and surgeon’s preference.

  4. Recovery: After knee replacement surgery, patients typically stay in the hospital for a few days for monitoring and rehabilitation. Physical therapy is initiated soon after surgery to promote mobility, strengthen the muscles around the knee joint, and facilitate recovery. Most patients can gradually return to normal activities, such as walking and light exercises, within a few weeks to months, although full recovery may take several months.

  5. Risks and Complications: Knee replacement surgery is generally safe and effective, but like any surgery, it carries risks and potential complications, including infection, blood clots, implant wear or loosening, instability of the knee joint, nerve or blood vessel injury, and stiffness or loss of motion. The risk of complications can be minimized by following the surgeon’s instructions, participating in rehabilitation, and attending follow-up appointments.

  6. Long-Term Outcomes: Knee replacement surgery is highly successful in relieving pain and improving function in the majority of patients. With proper care and maintenance, knee implants can last for many years, providing long-term relief from knee arthritis and other debilitating conditions.