Knee replacement surgery

Knee replacement is a surgical procedure for resurfacing of a knee damaged by arthritis. Metal and plastic parts are used to cap the ends of the bones that form the knee joint, along with the kneecap. This surgery is performed for people who have severe arthritis or a serious knee injury.

Various types of arthritis are affecting the knee joint. Osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease that affects mostly middle-aged and older people. Rheumatoid arthritis, that causes inflammation of the synovial membrane and results in excessive synovial fluid, can lead to pain and stiffness. Traumatic arthritis, arthritis due to injury, may cause damage to the cartilage of the knee

Our goal of your knee replacement surgery is to resurface the knee joint that has been damaged and to relieve you from the knee pain.

Reasons for the procedure

Knee replacement surgery is a special treatment for the acute pain and disability in the knee. The most common condition by which it causes is osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis is known by the breakdown of joint cartilage. Damage to the cartilage and bones causes a limited movement of patients and may cause severe pain. If you have degenerative joint disease you may be unable to do normal activities like bending at the knee, walking or using stairs, because such activities could be painful.

Other known formats of arthritis, like rheumatoid arthritis and arthritis due to a knee injury, may also cause a degeneration of the knee joint. Other than these fractures, torn cartilage, torn ligaments may cause irreversible damage to the knee joint.

If medical treatments are not satisfactory, knee replacement surgery may be an effective treatment.

Partial Knee replacement

A partial knee replacement is a surgical procedure in which damaged bone or cartilage including only the single surface of the knee joint is removed and replaced with metal or plastic parts. Partial knee replacement has many advantages compared to total knee replacement, like shorter recovery time and more range of motion preserved after surgery. But partial knee replacement is only an option for people having knee damage in just one place, either the inside, outside.

The most common reason for partial knee replacement is single-compartmental knee damage from advanced osteoarthritis—significant wear and tear on the knee joint. People with knee osteoarthritis have damaged cartilage, which is the shock absorber in joints. When the cartilage begins to wear out, the joint movements aren’t as smooth, and the bones begin to rub against each other causing pain and stiffness.

One of the main benefits of partial knee replacement (unicompartmental knee replacement, or arthroplasty) is the preservation of healthy cartilage, bone and ligaments in the unaffected parts of the knee. It is usually a minimally invasive operation with smaller incision instead of one larger one for open knee replacement.

Partial knee replacement surgery is less invasive than total knee replacement, and the recovery is much quicker and easier. You’ll be able to start moving again right away. Depending on your overall health and how you fare after surgery, you may have a hospital stay of only one to two days.

The surgeon removes the damaged cartilage and bone and prepares the surface for the knee implant (knee prosthesis)—metal components and surfaces—and cements the implant into your joint. A plastic spacer between the metal pieces ensures they slide smoothly when you move your knee.

After the procedure

In the hospital Once the surgery is over, you will be taken to the special room for observation. After your blood pressure, pulse, and breathing are normal and you are conscious, you will be taken to your selected hospital general or special room. Knee replacement surgery usually may require hospitalization for a few days.

It is necessary to begin moving the new joint when your surgery is over. A physiotherapist will meet with you soon after your surgery and suggest exercises for you.Your pain will be taken under control with medication from the doctor so that you can do proper exercise. You will be given an exercise plan after discharge.

Notify your doctor to report any of the following:

If you have Fever
Redness, swelling, bleeding, or other drainage at operative area
Increased pain around the operative area
You may resume your normal diet after taking advice from the doctor.
You should not drive a vehicle before consulting your doctor.
Avoid falls after your knee replacement surgery, because a fall can result in damage to the new joint.
Your physiotherapist may recommend a walker to help you walk until your balance improves.

Reducing your risk of complications from surgery

You can reduce your risk of some surgical complications by:

Resuming light activity and possibly physical therapy right away
Using a walking aid, such as a cane or crutches, if necessary
Taking blood thinners (temporarily) to prevent blood clots from forming
Taking a prescription antibiotic to prevent infection
Taking pain relievers if your doctor recommends them
Notifying your doctor immediately of any concerns, such as bleeding, fever, or increase in pain
Telling your surgical team if you have allergies