If you suffer from severe knee pain and stiffness due to arthritis or other injuries, you’ve probably considered knee replacement surgery as an option. Knee replacement can significantly improve quality of life by relieving chronic knee pain and restoring mobility and function. However, this surgery is a major operation that involves risks, a lengthy rehabilitation process, and potential long-term impacts.
In this blog post, we will provide an overview of knee replacement surgery including:
• Types of knee replacement procedures
• What happens before, during, and after surgery
• Common risks and complications
• Rehabilitation and recovery tips
• Alternative treatments to consider first
• Signs that knee replacement may be right for you
We’ll discuss the different options available for knee replacement based on your unique condition, prognosis, and lifestyle needs.
We hope this blog post provides you with the information you need to have a productive discussion with your orthopedic surgeon and take the first steps toward potentially improving your quality of life through knee replacement surgery. Let’s get started!
What are the Different Types of Knee Replacement Surgery?
A. Total knee replacement
- Resurfaces the entire surface of the joint on both sides of the knee
- Femur (thigh bone) and tibia (shin bone)
- Indicated for severe osteoarthritis that affects the entire joint
- – Implants include metal and plastic components to recreate knee motion
B. Partial knee replacement
- Only resurfaces damaged parts of the knee joint
- Spares as much of the knee ligaments and tendons as possible
- Optimal for those with isolated arthritis in one compartment of the knee
- – May reduce recovery time compared to total knee replacement
C. Revision knee replacement
- Replaces a previously implanted knee system
- More technically difficult due to bone loss and scar tissue formation
- Associated with higher risks compared to primary knee replacement
- – But can provide relief for a failed knee replacement
This covers the main differences between the 3 types of knee replacement procedures:
- Total knee replacement resurfaces the entire knee joint
- Partial knee replacement only resurfaces parts of the damaged joint
- Revision knee replacement replaces a previously failed knee implant system
How Is The Knee Replacement Procedure Performed?
Knee replacement surgery is a well-thought-out process. The surgeon examines your X-rays and learns about your daily activities to see if knee replacement is a good option for you. They also pick the right size and type of artificial knee parts that suit your needs.
During the surgery, the doctor makes a cut on the front of your knee. They shape the thighbone and shinbone ends to fit the new parts. Then, they put in metal and plastic parts to make the new knee joint surfaces. X-rays are used to check if the new parts are in the right place and can move accurately. After that, they close the cut.
You have chances for the artificial knee parts. Some can turn more or less, and some can be customized. These parts can be attached with or without cement and may be made of metal alloys or titanium.
The main goals of the surgery are to put the parts in the right areas, balance the soft tissues, and create a stable and functioning knee joint again. But the journey to recovery doesn’t end there. Physical therapy after surgery is essential to help you fully use your new knee. The therapy concentrates on bending, straightening, and strengthening the muscles around the new knee parts. This helps you get the best results from this surgery.
Are There Any Complications Associated with Knee Replacement?
Like any major surgery, knee replacement does carry some risks and potential complications. While advancements in surgical techniques and implant technology have reduced these risks over time, it is still important to understand the possible issues that can arise before and after knee replacement surgery. Being aware of the common risks and working proactively with your care team can help minimize your chances of complications.
Some of the most common risks associated with knee replacement surgery include:
Infection: Though still relatively uncommon, infection is one of the most serious complications after knee replacement operation. Infection in the joint can lead to pain, swelling, and loosening of the implant, and may require further surgery to resolve.
Blood clots: Blood clots in the legs, known as deep vein thrombosis or DVT, are a risk after knee replacement. This is due to inactivity during recovery and changes in blood flow from the knee surgery. Blood clots can be dangerous if they travel to the lungs.
Stiffness: Some stiffness and limited range of motion is common shortly after knee replacement, but some patients deal with excessive stiffness and difficulty bending their new knee. Surgeons work to minimize this risk during surgery and rehabilitation.
By understanding the most prevalent risks associated with knee replacement, you can work closely with your surgeon to make a treatment plan that lowers your individual risk profile. Following your surgeon’s guidelines for medication, physical therapy, and activity restrictions during recovery can also help avoid complications and achieve the best result from your knee replacement surgery.
Rehabilitation and Recovery
Rehabilitation after knee replacement is essential for regaining function, range of motion, and strength in your new knee joint. While the implants provide pain relief and joint stability, it takes months of dedicated physical therapy, exercises, and activity progression to fully recover from knee replacement surgery.
Some of the critical components of rehabilitation and recovery include:
Physical therapy: Formal physical therapy starting soon after surgery is vital to recover mobility and function. A physical therapist will guide you through a range of motion, strengthening, and balance exercises tailored for your knee replacement.
Exercises and activity: Exercises focus on regaining knee extension/flexion and strengthening quadriceps muscles. Activity is slowly progressed based on your specific restrictions and tolerance. Assistive devices like a walker or cane may be recommended initially.
Return to daily routine: It generally takes about 3-6 months before you can return to most everyday activities after knee replacement. Walking, light household chores, and limited mobility may be possible within 6 weeks. But strenuous tasks and impact exercise may need to wait longer.
By diligently following your rehabilitation program and continuing exercises even after therapy ends, you give yourself the best chance for a full recovery with optimal function in your new knee joint. Most patients see continued improvement for up to 2 years after knee replacement, so patience and perseverance are essential during the recovery process.
When is Knee Replacement Needed?
Knee replacement surgery is often suggested by skilled doctors who specialize in this area, like Dr. Atul Mishra in Delhi NCR. They recommend it when other treatments don’t help and your knee pain is really bad. Signs that you might need this surgery include:
- Failure of Other Treatments: If you have exhausted various treatments such as medications, physical therapy, knee braces, and weight loss, without experiencing relief from severe knee pain and difficulty walking, knee replacement surgery may offer a viable solution.
- Decline in Quality of Life: Conditions like severe osteoarthritis can hinder your ability to perform simple tasks like walking, climbing stairs, or dressing. If knee pain and stiffness hinder your engagement in activities you enjoy, affecting your mobility and independence, knee replacement can potentially alleviate symptoms and enhance your quality of life.
In general, knee replacement surgery is considered when non-surgical interventions are no longer effective, and knee pain or damage significantly hampers your everyday activities. The ultimate objective of knee replacement is to alleviate pain, restore knee function, and enable you to resume an active lifestyle, participating in activities that hold significance for you.
Conclusion
In summary, knee replacement is very effective at reducing severe knee pain and improving mobility for people with advanced arthritis. Success rates are high, with over 90% of patients experiencing significant pain relief and improved function for at least 2-3 years after surgery. While some patients require revision surgery 10 to 15 years later, many get 10 to 20 years or more of relief from their primary knee replacement.
Rehabilitation and appropriate follow-up care after surgery play an important role in ensuring long-term success. With proper aftercare, knee replacement can meaningfully improve quality of life by allowing patients to resume daily activities and participate in things they enjoy.