Exploring Knee Replacement Surgery: Treatment & Considerations

Introduction

Knee replacement surgery, also known as arthroplasty, is a common orthopedic procedure that involves replacing the damaged or diseased parts of the knee joint with artificial components. This surgery aims to relieve pain and restore function in severely diseased knee joints. Did you know? Approximately 600,000 knee replacement surgeries are performed annually in the United States alone, highlighting its widespread acceptance and success in addressing debilitating knee issues.

Let’s know the intricacies of this surgical intervention & exploring its types and important things to consider.

Do I Need Knee Replacement Surgery?

The decision to have knee replacement surgery should be a cooperative one made by you, your family, your primary care doctor, and your orthopedic surgeon. The process of making this decision typically begins with a referral by your doctor to an orthopedic surgeon for an initial evaluation.

You may benefit from knee replacement surgery if:

There are some benefit Fromknee replacement surgery when you consult the Best orthopaedic doctor in Jaipur.

• You have severe knee pain that limits your everyday activities, including walking, climbing stairs, and getting in and out of chairs.
• You have moderate or severe knee pain while resting, either day or night.
• You have chronic knee inflammation and swelling that does not improve with rest or medications.
• You have a deformity — a bowing in or out of your knee.
• Your knee stiffness limits your ability to move or lift your leg.
• You have tried other treatments, such as anti-inflammatory medications, cortisone injections, lubricating injections, physical therapy, or other surgeries, but they haven’t helped.

Are There Any Reasons Why I Can’t Have a Knee Replacement?

Before considering knee replacement surgery, it’s essential to be aware of factors that might make you ineligible for the procedure. Certain conditions could deem you unsuitable due to potential complications. These include:

• Active infections in the body.
• Poor overall health that makes you unsafe to undergo surgery.
• Severe weakness of the quadriceps muscles at the front of the thigh.
• Significant instability of the knee.
• Severe bone loss or deformity of the knee.
•  Uncontrolled medical conditions like diabetes or heart disease.
• Chronic high-dose steroid use.
• Unhealthy body weight or obesity.

What Are the Common Types of Knee Surgeries

There are several types of knee replacement surgeries, each designed to address specific needs:

1.       Total Knee Replacement (TKR)

This is the most common type of knee surgery. In a TKR, the surgeon removes the damaged surfaces of the knee joint and replaces them with metal and plastic components. These components mimic the natural motion of the knee.

The goal of TKR is to relieve pain and restore function to the knee. This procedure is typically recommended for patients with severe arthritis or significant knee damage.

TKR is a major surgery, demanding careful post-operative rehabilitation to ensure optimal outcomes.

2.   Partial Knee Replacement (PKR)

Partial Knee Replacement also known as noncompartmental knee replacement, PKR is a less invasive alternative to TKR. In this procedure, the surgeon only replaces the part of the knee that’s damaged by arthritis. This could be the inside (medial), outside (lateral), or kneecap portion of the knee.

PKR has the advantage of preserving more of the patient’s natural knee structure, which often leads to a more natural-feeling knee, quicker recovery, and less blood loss.

This is suited for localized damage scenarios, offering advantages in terms of a quicker recovery and reduced blood loss

3.   Kneecap Replacement (Patellofemoral Arthroplasty)

Kneecap Replacement is a procedure that involves replacing the worn-out surface under the kneecap. It’s a less common procedure and is usually considered for patients who have arthritis limited to the front of the knee, around the kneecap.

Kneecap replacement can relieve pain and improve function, particularly when climbing stairs or standing up from a seated position.

This surgery is recommended for individuals with arthritis predominantly centered on the front part of the knee.

4.   Complex or Revision Knee Replacement

This is a procedure performed when a previous knee replacement fails. The reasons for failure could be due to infection, instability, loosening of the prosthesis, or a fracture around the prosthetic components.

Revision knee replacement is a longer, more complex procedure that requires extensive planning and specialized implants and tools to remove the original implant and replace it with a new one.

Complications include infection, instability, prosthesis loosening, or fractures around the prosthetic components.

The reasons for this surgery may include the following:

This surgical intervention is pursued to address severe osteoarthritis & other chronic knee pains. Here are the reasons that shows the need for this surgery-

• The surgery is often recommended for individuals experiencing advanced osteoarthritis in the knee, where the joint cartilage has significantly deteriorated, leading to pain and restricted mobility.
•  When non-surgical treatments like medications, physical therapy, and lifestyle modifications fail to provide adequate relief, knee replacement surgery becomes a viable option.
• The surgery is offered to those who have suffered a serious injury to the knee, such as fractures or ligament damage, which has resulted in persistent pain and functional limitations.
• The procedure is considered for individuals dealing with persistent knee pain that interferes with daily activities, reducing their overall quality of life.
• Knee replacement can be beneficial for individuals experiencing stiffness and restricted range of motion in the knee joint, hindering their ability to perform normal movements.

How to Find a Best Knee Replacement Doctor in Jaipur

When looking for the best knee replacement surgeon in Jaipur,  you must consider the following factors:

• Look for a surgeon who has performed many knee replacements and continues to do them regularly.
• Make sure the surgeon is board-certified and fellowship-trained in orthopedic surgery.
• Research the hospital where the surgeon operates. High-quality hospitals have fewer complications and better survival rates.
• Inquire about the use of advanced technologies and surgical techniques, as these can lead to better outcomes and faster recovery.

conclusion

knee replacement surgery can be a life-changing procedure for those with severe knee pain. By understanding the types of surgeries, reasons for the surgery, and how to find a good surgeon, you can make an informed decision about whether knee replacement is right for you. Always consult with a healthcare professional for the best advice. Dr. SS Soni is the most reputed orthopedic Doctor and Best Knee Replacement Surgeon in Jaipur and shoulder treatment he specializes in Arthroscopy, and Joint Replacement surgery. Don’t let lеt shouldеr pain hold you back. Reach out to Dry. SS Sonic and еxpеriеncе the relief you rеsеrvе.