Knee Replacement
Knee replacement surgery, also known as knee arthroplasty, involves replacing damaged portions of the knee joint with artificial components made of metal and plastic. This procedure aims to restore function and alleviate pain in individuals with severe knee joint damage.
During the surgery, the surgeon removes damaged cartilage and bone, replacing them with prosthetic joints to recreate the natural knee joint structure. While recovery from knee replacement surgery can take up to a year for full recovery, patients can gradually resume their usual activities as they heal.
Knee replacement surgery, also known as knee arthroplasty, involves replacing either all or parts of your knee joint with artificial components, a procedure falling under the category of arthroplasty or joint replacement.
Types of knee replacement
Your surgeon may suggest either a total or partial knee replacement:
Total knee replacement: This is the most prevalent form of knee replacement surgery. In a total knee replacement, all three areas of the knee joint—the medial (inside), lateral (outside), and patellofemoral (under the kneecap)—are replaced.
Partial knee replacement: In contrast, a partial knee replacement involves replacing only certain sections of the knee joint—typically, when one or two areas are affected. Partial knee replacements are often preferred for younger adults who have sustained an injury or trauma.
What happens during a knee replacement?
On the day of your surgery, you will undergo anesthesia to ensure you are pain-free. An anesthesiologist will administer either general anesthesia to induce sleep throughout the procedure or regional anesthesia to numb the lower portion of your body.
During the knee replacement surgery, your surgeon will:
- Remove damaged cartilage and bone from the affected area.
- Implant the prosthetic knee joint to replace the removed tissue.
- Insert a plastic spacer to replicate the smooth cushioning of your damaged or removed cartilage.
- If necessary, reshape the patella (kneecap) to accommodate the new prosthetic knee joint.
What are potential complications of a knee replacement?
knee replacement surgery, some individuals may continue to experience pain and other symptoms in their knee. Rare complications include:
- Formation of blood clots.
- Infection within the knee or at the surgical site.
- Nerve-related problems.
- Issues with blood vessels.
- Complications related to the prosthetic implant, such as premature wear or loosening.
- Formation of scar tissue within the knee.
- Decreased range of motion and stiffness in the knee joint.