PROCEDURE INFORMATION
Knee replacement surgery helps remove damaged cartilage and a thin layer of bone from the thighbone and shinbone followed by capping both ends with metal and plastic implants. Doctors suggest it when arthritis pain makes walking and stairs hard, and medicines, physiotherapy or injections no longer help.
Patients looking for knee replacement surgery in JP Nagar can opt for orthopaedic evaluation, surgery, postoperative care and rehabilitation at Deepasri Multispecialities Hospital, JP Nagar, Bangalore. Let’s understand how the surgery works, what recovery involves and how to prepare.
What Is Knee Replacement Surgery?
Knee joint replacement, also called knee arthroplasty, begins with the surgeon removing worn cartilage and a thin layer of bone from the ends of the thighbone and shinbone. The surgeon then fixes a metal cap at the end of the thighbone and another at the top of the shinbone. A plastic spacer is placed between them and takes over the work of the worn cartilage, so the bones stop rubbing together. Once the knee heals, pain usually eases. However, how much walking and stair climbing one can do varies from person to person.When Is Knee Replacement Surgery Recommended?
Most knee arthritis treatment begins with medicines, physiotherapy and injections. Doctors consider surgery when these no longer provide adequate relief, resulting in knee problems limiting daily life. Common reasons include the following:- Severe osteoarthritis, the most common cause
- Rheumatoid arthritis or post-traumatic arthritis, leading to a damaged knee joint
- Constant pain, stiffness, visible deformity or reduced range of motion
- Difficulty walking or climbing stairs
- Pain that disturbs sleep
Types of Knee Replacement Surgery
Total Knee Replacement
In total knee arthroplasty, the damaged surfaces across the whole joint are replaced. It is considered when arthritis has affected most of the knee.Partial Knee Replacement
Only the affected compartment is replaced, and the healthy parts of the knee are kept. This option suits selected patients whose damage is limited to one area.Revision Knee Replacement
Revision surgery replaces or corrects an earlier implant. Reasons include loosening, wear, infection or instability.Evaluation Before Knee Replacement Surgery
The first consultation usually starts with questions. Diabetes, heart problems and blood thinners are some factors that help decide how surgery will be planned, so the surgeon wants to know about them early. The knee is then examined physically. The surgeon moves it through its full range of motion and pushes gently from the side to find any looseness. X-rays show signs of joint damage, and an MRI is requested only when there is something unclear. Blood tests and a visit with the anaesthetist are done before the surgery date. Conditions like high blood sugar or uncontrolled blood pressure are treated first.How Is Knee Replacement Surgery Performed?
- Before the procedure begins, anaesthesia will be administered.
- The surgeon opens the knee, trims away the damaged cartilage and a thin layer of bone, and shapes the thighbone and shinbone to fit the implants.
- Metal caps are placed on both bones with a plastic spacer between them.
- With the implants in place, the surgeon checks the knee’s full range of motion and checks that the kneecap tracks straight and the joint does not shift sideways. The incision is then closed.
- In the recovery room, nurses continue to watch the blood pressure, oxygen level and the leg’s circulation until the anaesthesia wears off.
Benefits of Knee Replacement Surgery
- Reduced knee pain
- Improved mobility
- Better knee function
- Improved joint stability
- Easier walking
- Improved ability to perform everyday activities
- Correction of certain knee deformities