A knee replacement is a surgery to replace all or some knee joints. It’s a type of procedure called an arthroplasty (joint replacement). A surgeon will remove damaged parts of your natural knee joint and replace them with an artificial joint (a prosthesis) made of metal and plastic.
Types of knee replacement
What conditions are treated with a knee replacement?
A healthcare provider might recommend knee replacement if you have severe symptoms that don’t get better after trying nonsurgical treatments, including joint pain, stiffness, limited mobility (trouble moving your knee), and swelling. Arthritis is the most common condition that causes people to need knee replacement surgery. Most people who choose to have a knee replacement have osteoarthritis, but some people with rheumatoid arthritis may need one, too.
Procedure
Your healthcare practitioner and surgeon will explain what you must do to prepare for surgery. In general, you'll need a physical exam to ensure you're healthy enough for surgery, blood tests, an electrocardiogram to check your heart health, a dental exam to lower your risk of infection after surgery, and imaging tests, such as a knee X-ray. You may also require magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or a computed tomography (CT) scan.
Inform your doctor and surgeon about any drugs and over-the-counter supplements you use. You may need to cease taking some drugs or supplements before surgery. Your surgeon will advise you on when to cease eating and drinking the day before your surgery. Most people should avoid eating and drinking 12 hours before their procedure.
What happens when a knee is replaced?
On the day of your surgery, you will be given anesthesia to numb your body and ensure that you do not experience discomfort. An anesthesiologist will administer either general anesthesia to put you to sleep throughout your surgery or regional anesthesia to numb you from the waist down. During a knee replacement, your surgeon will remove damaged cartilage and bone, insert the prosthetic knee joint, insert a plastic spacer that recreates the smooth cushion of the damaged or removed cartilage, and reshape your patella (kneecap) to fit the new prosthetic knee joint (if necessary).
How does a knee replacement look?
The prosthetic components that your surgeon will use during a knee replacement will closely resemble your original knee. The prosthetic joint is constructed of metal and plastic, not bone and cartilage. It is designed to match the shape, size, and function of a natural knee joint.
What happens after the knee is replaced?
Following surgery, you will be sent to a recovery room. Your surgery team will monitor you for a few hours to ensure you wake up from anaesthesia without issues. They will also monitor your vital signs and pain levels. Some people who undergo knee replacement surgery return home the same day. You may need to stay in the hospital overnight. Your surgeon will notify you when it is safe for you to return home.
Benefits
Knee arthroplasty is a safe, effective procedure that helps people regain their mobility and relieves long-term pain. Most people who have a knee replacement have reduced pain, increased ability to move and use their knee, and improved quality of life. A knee replacement usually lasts a long time. More than 90% of people who have knee replacement surgery have improved function in their knee for 10 to 15 years.
Potential complications
Some patients who have had knee replacement surgery continue to feel pain and other symptoms in their knee. Rare complications include blood clots, infection inside your knee or at the surgical site, nerve issues, blood vessel issues, prosthetic implant problems, scar tissue inside your knee, decreased range of motion, and stiffness.
Conclusion
If your knee pain is extreme, interfering with your daily life, and has not responded to prior therapies, it may be time to talk to your doctor about knee replacement. A full evaluation by an orthopaedic specialist is required to determine whether surgery is the best option for you.
Dr. Rohit Lamba, Head of the Department & Senior Consultant
Bone, Joint Replacement And Orthopaedics
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