Knee Replacement Surgery – Second Innings For A Human
Knee Replacement Helps Patients To Get Back On Feet In No Time
Knee replacement surgery, also known as knee arthroplasty or total knee replacement, is a surgical procedure where metal, plastic and ceramic are used to resurface a damaged knee. The man-made replacement acts as the prosthetic joint, which is used in place of the damaged cartilage during the surgery.
Dr Hrushikesh Vaidya, Medical Director and Chairman Horizon Group of Hospitals says “Patients who are suffering from knee arthritis have a kind of second innings after getting joint replacement surgery. Knee replacement surgery removes their dilemma of age long physical restriction due to pain and help them to regain their confidence and lead a pain free lifestyle”.
Dr Hrushikesh Vaidya added “Those who have chronic arthritis or have sustained a severe injury to the knee may find the simplest activities, such as climbing stairs or even walking, very painful and challenging. The surgical procedure of knee replacement comes as a saviour here. Knee replacement surgery, also known as Knee Arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure conducted to relieve pain by replacing the affected surfaces of the joint”.
Dr Hrushikesh Vaidya further said “A relatively safe and effective procedure, knee arthroplasty can relieve long-term pain, increase mobility, and improve quality of life. Technological integration like augmented reality and improving recovery time has led to an increase in the number of people opting for surgery”.
Knee replacement is recommended when conventional methods do not help diminish the pain. A knee replacement involves removing the damaged bone and cartilage from the ends of the femur and tibia, which is then replaced with an artificial joint called a prosthesis. The prosthesis may be made of metal alloys, special polymers and high-grade plastics.
Knee Degeneration
Physical injury and arthritis are two of the primary causes. Different types of arthritis—a degenerative joint disease that affects the elderly and older population—can impact the knee joint area, including Osteoarthritis (breakdown of joint cartilage and adjacent bone), Rheumatoid arthritis (inflammation of the synovial membrane), and Traumatic arthritis (due to injury). A relatively safe and effective procedure, knee arthroplasty can relieve long-term pain from the above-mentioned causes, increase mobility, and improve quality of life.
When Is it advised?
Patients who suffer from the following issues will be advised to undergo knee replacement surgery:
- Osteoarthritis: A type of arthritis due to wear and tear on the joints. It causes the cartilage to deteriorate and can result in bone rubbing on bone.
- Rheumatoid arthritis: It attacks various joints throughout the body. It damages ligaments and cartilage while softening the bone
- Post-traumatic arthritis: It develops after trauma or injury to the knee. It may not develop until years after the injury.
- Painful knee deformity
- Unusual bone growth inside the joint
- Loss of cartilage
Clinical symptoms of osteoarthritis include:
- Knee pain
- Pain with activity and improving with rest
- Pain gradually worsens over time
- Decreased ambulatory capacity
Clinical evaluation includes:
- Full knee exam including range of motion and ligamentous testing
- Knee radiographs include standing anteroposterior, lateral, 45-degree posteroanterior, and skyline view of the patella
- Radiographic evidence of osteoarthritis include[6]:
- Joint space narrowing
- Subchondral sclerosis
- Subchondral cysts
- Osteophyte formation
Conservative treatment includes:
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication
- Weight loss
- Activity modification
- Bracing
- Physical therapy
- Viscosupplementation
- Intra-articular steroid injection
Why Knee Replacement?
Knee replacement surgeries are almost always conducted as a last resort, when all other conservative methods, such as anti-inflammatory medicines, cartilage-protecting medicines, injections and physical therapy have proven futile. The surgeon will then advise you on knee replacement surgery on the basis of diagnosis.
Given the nature of the surgery, it’s important to get the procedure done soon after diagnosis to reduce the risk of comorbidities. While blood clots, infection of the surgical site, limitation in range of motion, nerve issues, and more remain common among potential complications, age plays an important role, as it is directly proportional to comorbidities. Hence, coming in early for the surgery is recommended.
