Knee replacement, also known as knee arthroplasty, is a life-transforming surgical procedure designed to restore mobility, reduce pain, and improve the overall quality of life for individuals who have been plagued by debilitating knee conditions. At Tefac Clinics, we’re committed to delivering cutting-edge orthopedic care, including knee replacement, to help you regain your independence and enjoy life to the fullest.
What is The Key Elements of Knee Replacement?
- Relief from Chronic Pain: Knee replacement is typically recommended for individuals who suffer from chronic knee pain due to conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or traumatic injuries. This procedure can effectively alleviate pain, discomfort, and inflammation, allowing you to return to a more active and pain-free life.
- Restored Mobility: Pain and stiffness in the knee joint can severely limit your ability to move and carry out everyday activities. Knee replacement aims to restore your mobility, making it easier to walk, climb stairs, and engage in physical activities you may have once enjoyed.
- Precision and Customization: Knee replacement is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Our orthopedic specialists tailor each procedure to your unique needs, ensuring that the artificial knee joint fits your anatomy perfectly. This precision results in better outcomes and improved function.
- Improved Quality of Life: Beyond the physical benefits, knee replacement can significantly enhance your overall quality of life. It enables you to engage in a wide range of activities, spend time with loved ones, and experience greater independence and freedom.
The Surgical Procedure
Preparation
- Before the surgery, you will undergo a thorough evaluation, including a medical history review, physical examination, and possibly imaging tests (such as X-rays and MRI) to assess the condition of your knee joint.
Anesthesia
- The procedure is performed under anesthesia to ensure you are comfortable and pain-free during surgery. Your options may include general anesthesia (where you are unconscious) or regional anesthesia (such as spinal or epidural anesthesia).
Incision
- The surgeon makes an incision on the front of your knee, exposing the knee joint.
Reshaping the Bones
- The damaged bone and cartilage in the knee joint, typically the end of the femur (thigh bone) and the top of the tibia (shin bone), are carefully removed. The goal is to prepare the bones to receive the artificial components.
Implant Placement
- The surgeon attaches the artificial components, which usually consist of metal and plastic, to the prepared bone surfaces. These components mimic the natural structure of the knee joint. The femoral component includes a metal femoral component that covers the end of the thigh bone and a metal or plastic patellar component that resurfaces the undersurface of the kneecap. The tibial component is made of metal and plastic, and it is attached to the top of the shin bone. Additionally, a plastic spacer may be placed between the metal components to enable smooth joint movement.
Realignment and Testing
- After implant placement, the knee joint is carefully tested to ensure proper alignment and functioning. The surgeon checks for stability, range of motion, and balance.
Closing the Incision
- Once the artificial components are securely in place and joint stability is confirmed, the surgeon closes the incision with sutures or staples.
Recovery and Rehabilitation
- After surgery, you are closely monitored in a recovery area before being moved to a post-operative room. Rehabilitation and physical therapy are crucial components of the recovery process, helping you regain strength, flexibility, and function in the newly replaced knee joint.
Why it’s Done?
Knee replacement surgery is performed for a variety of medical reasons, primarily to alleviate pain and improve mobility in individuals who are experiencing significant knee joint problems. Here are the most common reasons why knee replacement is done:
- Osteoarthritis: Knee replacement is most frequently performed to treat osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease that causes the protective cartilage in the knee joint to break down. As a result, patients experience pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Knee replacement can effectively relieve these symptoms and improve joint function.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that can lead to inflammation and damage in the knee joint. Over time, this damage causes pain, joint deformities, and loss of function. Knee replacement can provide relief and restore joint stability.
- Post-Traumatic Arthritis: Severe injuries to the knee, such as fractures or ligament tears, can result in post-traumatic arthritis. This condition leads to pain and joint deterioration, which can be addressed through knee replacement surgery.
- Knee Deformities: Congenital knee deformities, such as bowlegs or knock-knees, can cause discomfort and mobility issues. Knee replacement can help correct these deformities and improve joint function.
- Avascular Necrosis: Avascular necrosis occurs when the blood supply to the knee bone is compromised, causing bone tissue to die. This leads to severe pain and joint damage, and knee replacement can alleviate these symptoms.
- Meniscus and Cartilage Damage: Severe damage to the knee’s meniscus and cartilage can cause persistent pain and stiffness. In some cases, knee replacement is the most effective solution to restore joint function.
- Ligament Tears: Tears of the knee’s major ligaments, particularly the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), can result in joint instability and pain. Knee replacement may be considered for patients with severe ligament injuries.
- Failed Previous Surgeries: In some cases, individuals who have undergone previous knee surgeries that were unsuccessful or have led to complications may require knee replacement to address the issues and restore joint function.
Knee replacement surgery is typically recommended when less invasive treatments, such as medications, physical therapy, or lifestyle modifications, have proven insufficient in providing relief. The decision to undergo knee replacement is made after a thorough evaluation by our specialized team, taking into account the patient’s overall health, age, lifestyle, and specific knee condition. The primary goals of knee replacement are to relieve pain, improve mobility, and enhance the patient’s quality of life.
