Total Knee Replacement Surgery
General Information
The primary reason for joint replacement is the degeneration of a joint which usually results from gradual wear and tear over the course of life or from an earlier accident, this condition known as osteoarthritis which is ultimately the end result. Joint replacement can restore normal function and hence, improve quality of life.
What is a Knee Replacement Surgery
A knee replacement involves the replacing the destroyed knee cartilage with metal/plastic surfaces to re-create a smooth articulation between the thigh and the shin bones. This is performed while sparing most of the ligaments and all the tendons providing stability to the implanted joint using the natural surrounding soft tissues.
Knee Osteoarthritis
It means “Inflammation of the Joint,” and the knee joint is one of the most commonly affected joints in the body.
The most common type is called primary osteoarthritis, a relatively common degenerative condition. While some may have a genetic predisposition, the condition can be worsened with obesity, heavy activity and/or previous injuries to the joint. The other type of arthritis is called secondary osteoarthritis which is caused by various generalized inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis and related syndromes.
There are different grades of osteoarthritis depending on how much cartilage is worn out and management for each grade differs accordingly.
Common Conditions Requiring Knee Replacement Surgery
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there other alternatives for surgery?
In cases with total destruction of joint cartilage with x-rays showing “bone on bone” articulation with totally absent joint space, there’s no scientifically proven drug or procedure up to date that can regrow that cartilage and the only tested reliable cure is the knee replacement surgery.
When should I do the surgery? Is it urgent?
In cases of primary arthritis, it totally depends on the patient convenient timing. Unfortunately, there are cases that we have to do it relatively soon, for instance; patients who rely on a lot of pain medications to move around as these medications might irreversibly affect their stomach or kidneys with drastic complications. Another group also who should consider doing it earlier are the ones whose activities of daily living are substantially affected by the disease and they can’t live their life normally. However, if you have knee arthritis and still function well with relatively tolerable pain, it’s advised to do regular follow up visits every 6 months to 1 year with new x-rays every time, to detect deterioration in the bone quality of the joint or its clinical state that might entail doing it earlier rather than postponing it and making the surgery and the postoperative rehabilitation is more difficult and with inferior outcomes.
Will I be able to walk again normally?
It depends on the current state before the surgery of the nerves and soft tissues surrounding the joint. If the only problem is the joint, most patients are able to walk again normally with doing some exercises. Some may need the assistance of physical therapy to restore back the strength and resilience of the muscles.
As osteoarthritis progresses, one side of the joint might wear more than the other producing a deformity; a bow-legged deformity if the inner aspect is worn more, or a “knock-kneed” deformity if the outer aspect is worn more. Total knee replacement may also help correct these deformities.
Patients with knee arthritis experience pain specially during certain activities like climbing stairs or standing from a sitting position. The pain at first is gradual and relatively tolerable, but later, can be severe and progressive usually requiring surgery.
Have any questions?
If you have any questions about the surgeries, feel free to contact us.
