What is knee replacement surgery?

Knee replacement surgery, also known as knee arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure to replace a damaged or diseased knee joint with an artificial joint, called a prosthesis. The goal of knee replacement surgery is to relieve pain and restore function in the knee joint.

During knee replacement surgery, the damaged ends of the thighbone (femur) and shinbone (tibia) are removed and replaced with metal or plastic components that replicate the natural shape and function of the knee joint. In some cases, the kneecap (patella) may also be resurfaced with a plastic component.

Knee replacement surgery is typically recommended for people with severe knee pain and disability due to conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or post-traumatic arthritis. It may also be considered for people with other knee conditions, such as avascular necrosis or knee deformities, that have not responded to other treatments.

After knee replacement surgery, most people experience significant pain relief and improvement in knee function. Physical therapy is usually recommended to help strengthen the muscles around the knee and improve range of motion. Full recovery from knee replacement surgery can take several months, and most people are able to return to normal activities with significantly reduced pain and improved mobility.

Who needs knee replacement surgery?

Knee replacement surgery, also known as knee arthroplasty, is typically recommended for people with severe knee pain and disability that has not responded to other treatments. Some common reasons why someone might need knee replacement surgery include:

1. Osteoarthritis: The most common reason for knee replacement surgery is osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease that causes the cartilage in the knee joint to wear down over time, leading to pain, stiffness, and swelling.
2. Rheumatoid Arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in the joints, including the knees, leading to pain, stiffness, and swelling.
3. Post-Traumatic Arthritis: Arthritis that develops after a knee injury, such as a fracture or ligament tear, can cause pain and disability that may require knee replacement surgery.
4. Avascular Necrosis: Avascular necrosis is a condition in which the bone tissue in the knee dies due to a lack of blood supply, leading to pain and disability.
5. Other Knee Conditions: Knee replacement surgery may also be considered for people with other knee conditions, such as severe meniscus tears, knee deformities, or failed previous knee surgeries, that have not responded to other treatments.

It’s important to note that knee replacement surgery is typically considered a last resort when other treatments, such as medications, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes, have not provided adequate relief. The decision to undergo knee replacement surgery should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider after a thorough evaluation of the individual’s condition and treatment options.

What are the risks of knee replacement surgery?

Knee replacement surgery, like any major surgery, carries certain risks. Some potential risks include:

1. Infection: There is a risk of developing an infection at the surgical site or in the joint. This risk is minimized by taking antibiotics before and after surgery.
2. Blood clots: Blood clots in the leg veins are a concern, which can be dangerous if they travel to the lungs (pulmonary embolism). Medications and physical therapy are used to prevent this.
3. Implant problems: The artificial joint can loosen, break, or wear out over time, which may require additional surgery.
4. Nerve or blood vessel damage: Nerves or blood vessels near the knee can be injured during surgery, leading to numbness or circulation problems.
5. Stiffness or instability: Some patients may experience stiffness or instability in the knee joint after surgery.
6. Chronic pain: While knee replacement surgery usually reduces pain, some patients may experience ongoing or new pain.
7. Allergic reactions: Some patients may have allergic reactions to the materials used in the artificial joint.
8. Anesthesia risks: General anesthesia carries its own set of risks, including allergic reactions and breathing problems.

It’s important to discuss these risks with your healthcare provider to understand your individual risk profile and how they can be managed. Overall, knee replacement surgery is considered safe and effective for most people with severe knee arthritis or injury.