Total Knee Replacement

In a total knee replacement, the entire joint is resurfaced to restore function. The thighbone (femur) and shinbone (tibia) are hard tubes that contain a soft center; during the procedure, the ends of these bones are reshaped, and the artificial parts are inserted into the softer central part of the bones to create a secure fit.

Signs and Symptoms

You may be a candidate for this procedure if you experience:

• Severe Knee Pain: Pain that affects walking, climbing stairs, or performing daily tasks.

• Arthritic Damage: Osteoarthritis or Rheumatoid Arthritis causing significant joint damage.

• Persistent Stiffness: Swelling and stiffness that doesn’t improve with medication or therapy.

• Deformity: A visible bowed or knocked-knee appearance.

Reason for the Procedure

The primary goal is to ease pain caused by arthritis and restore the ability to perform basic movements like walking and getting out of chairs. It is recommended when the damage to the joint surfaces makes daily activities difficult or impossible.

Surgery Types and Technical Execution

The surgery typically takes about 1–2 hours:

• Incision: An incision is made over the knee.

• Resurfacing: The surgeon removes damaged cartilage and bone while leaving the healthy bone intact.

• Implantation: A metal and plastic implant (prosthesis) is placed to mimic a natural knee joint.

• Ligament Support: If the knee’s ligaments aren’t strong enough to hold the joint together, the surgeon may choose implants that can be connected so they cannot come apart.

Benefits

• Eliminates Pain: Removes chronic knee pain and stiffness.

• Restores Mobility: Improves quality of life and allows for smooth movement.

• Corrects Deformities: Improves stability and straightens bowed or knocked knees.

• Long-Lasting: Implants can last 15–20 years or more.

Recovery and Rehabilitation

Patients typically stay in the hospital for a day or two. Walking with support starts within 24 hours after surgery. Physical therapy is crucial for regaining strength, and most patients return to normal activities within 6-12 weeks.

Newer minimally invasive techniques allow for total knee replacement to be performed with smaller incisions and specialized surgical instruments.

Reason for the Procedure

This approach is chosen to reduce the overall impact of surgery on the body. By minimizing tissue damage, the procedure aims to accelerate the healing process.

Benefits

• Reduced Trauma: Smaller incisions lead to less tissue damage.

• Enhanced Comfort: Faster recovery with less pain and swelling.

• Quick Return: A speedier return to daily activities compared to traditional methods.

If only one part of the knee is damaged, surgeons often can replace just that specific part. This is called a partial knee replacement.

Reason for the Procedure

This is an ideal solution for patients whose arthritis or joint damage is localized to a single area. It allows for the preservation of the healthy parts of the knee joint.

Surgery Types and Technical Execution

• Targeted Resurfacing: Only the damaged section of the bone and cartilage is removed and replaced with artificial components, leaving the rest of the natural joint intact.

Benefits

• Preservation: Keeps more of your natural bone and healthy tissue.

• Function: Allows for a joint that feels more natural while eliminating the localized source of pain.