Knee Replacement Surgery
What is Knee Replacement Surgery?
Knee replacement surgery, or knee arthroplasty, is a procedure designed to replace a damaged or worn-out knee joint with an artificial prosthesis. This surgery is typically recommended for individuals experiencing chronic knee pain or mobility issues that have not improved with other treatments, such as physical therapy or medication. Common causes for knee replacement include osteoarthritis, knee fractures, or other joint conditions. The goal of the surgery is to relieve pain, improve movement, and help patients return to a more active lifestyle.
Types of Knee Replacement Surgery: Choosing the Right Option for You
There are different types of knee replacement surgeries. The choice of procedure depends on factors such as the patient’s age, activity level, the condition of the knee, and the surgeon’s recommendation. The main types of knee replacement include:
- Total Knee Replacement (TKR): The most common type of knee replacement, TKR involves removing the damaged portions of the knee joint and replacing them with an artificial prosthesis. This procedure is recommended for patients with severe arthritis, fractures, or other degenerative conditions affecting the entire knee joint.
- Partial Knee Replacement (Unicompartmental Knee Replacement): This procedure involves replacing only the damaged part of the knee joint, typically the inner or outer compartment. It is often recommended for patients with localized arthritis or damage to a specific area of the knee.
- Knee Resurfacing: In some cases, instead of replacing the entire knee, the damaged surfaces are resurfaced with a prosthetic covering. This procedure can be a good option for younger, more active patients who still have healthy bone structure.
Each type of knee replacement surgery offers distinct benefits, and your orthopedic surgeon will help determine the best option based on your individual needs.
When Should You Consider Knee Replacement Surgery?
Knee replacement surgery is typically considered when conservative treatment methods, such as medications, physical therapy, or lifestyle modifications, fail to provide relief from persistent knee pain and mobility limitations. If you are experiencing ongoing discomfort and reduced quality of life due to knee joint issues, it may be time to consult with an orthopedic specialist to explore surgical options. Key indicators that you may need knee replacement include:
- Persistent Knee Pain: Chronic knee pain that interferes with your daily activities—whether it's constant or worsens with movement—may be a strong sign that the knee joint has deteriorated to a point where surgery is necessary.
- Reduced Mobility and Flexibility: If you find it increasingly difficult to perform tasks such as walking, bending, or climbing stairs due to stiffness or pain in the knee joint, knee replacement surgery could restore your mobility and improve overall function.
- Failure of Non-Surgical Treatments: If you've tried physical therapy, medications, injections, or lifestyle changes without sufficient relief, it might indicate that the knee joint is beyond repair with conservative methods, and surgery may be the best option.
- Arthritis or Degenerative Joint Disease: Severe osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis that results in significant wear and tear of the knee joint can lead to loss of cartilage, causing pain and limited movement. In such cases, knee replacement surgery can alleviate pain and improve function.
- Knee Fractures or Trauma: If you've experienced a knee fracture or injury that results in joint instability or poor healing, knee replacement surgery may be necessary to restore proper function and relieve pain.
The decision to undergo knee replacement should be made after careful consultation with a qualified orthopedic surgeon, who will evaluate your condition and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan.
Different Ways to Perform Knee Replacement Surgery
When it comes to knee replacement surgery, there are a few different ways to gain access to the knee. The term "approach" simply refers to where the surgeon makes the incision to access the knee joint during the procedure. Your surgeon will choose the best method for you based on your specific condition and needs. Here are the main types:
- Anterior Approach: This is one of the most common methods, where the surgeon makes an incision at the front of the knee. It allows for better access to the knee joint and is effective for most patients.
- Medial Approach: In this method, the incision is made on the inner side of the knee. It’s commonly used when patients have osteoarthritis affecting the inner knee compartment.
- Lateral Approach: The incision is made on the outer side of the knee. This approach may be used depending on the specific condition of the knee.
Robotic-Assisted Knee Replacement Surgery
At CHRISTUS Health, we offer the option of robotic-assisted knee replacement surgery, which uses advanced technology to assist surgeons in performing the procedure with high precision. This approach can provide greater accuracy in placing the implant, potentially resulting in a quicker recovery and less post-surgical pain for some patients.
However, not every patient is a candidate for robotic surgery, and many of our skilled surgeons perform successful knee replacement surgeries using traditional methods. Your surgeon will discuss the best approach for your individual needs. Ultimately, the goal is to get you back to the life you love, as quickly and safely as possible.
Physical Therapy After Knee Replacement
Physical therapy is an essential part of the recovery process after knee replacement surgery. The goals of a complete physical therapy program include:
- Improve range of motion and flexibility
- Strengthen muscles around the knee
- Enhance balance and coordination
- Restore daily activities such as walking, climbing stairs, and getting in and out of chairs
