Knee replacement surgery, also known as knee arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure performed to replace the damaged or diseased parts of the knee joint with artificial components. This procedure is commonly recommended for individuals with severe knee pain and functional limitations due to conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or post-traumatic arthritis. Here is a specialist guide to knee replacement surgery:
Evaluation and Preparation
- Consultation: Schedule an appointment with an orthopaedic surgeon who specialises in knee replacement surgery. During the consultation, the surgeon will evaluate your medical history, conduct a physical examination, and order imaging tests, such as X-rays or MRI scans, to assess the extent of knee damage.
- Preoperative Assessment: Prior to the surgery, you may need to undergo additional medical tests and assessments to ensure you are in optimal health for the procedure. This may include blood tests, electrocardiogram (ECG), and consultation with other medical specialists if necessary.
Types of Knee Replacement
- Total Knee Replacement: In this procedure, the entire knee joint is replaced with artificial components, including the femoral component, tibial component, and a plastic spacer placed in between.
- Partial Knee Replacement: If only one part of the knee joint is affected, a partial knee replacement may be considered. This procedure involves replacing the damaged portion of the knee with an artificial component while preserving the healthy parts of the joint.
Surgical Procedure
- Anaesthesia: Knee replacement surgery can be performed under general anaesthesia, which means you will be asleep during the procedure, or spinal anaesthesia, which means only the lower half of your body is numb. Nerve blocks are commonly used to numb the surgical site on the knee. .
- Incision: The surgeon will make an incision over the knee to access the joint.
- Preparation of Bone: The damaged cartilage and bone are removed from the femur (thighbone) and tibia (shinbone) to create space for the artificial components.
- Implant Placement: The artificial components, made of metal and plastic, are then secured to the prepared surfaces of the bones. The plastic spacer is placed in between to allow smooth movement of the joint.
- Closure: The incision is closed using sutures or staples, and a sterile dressing is applied.
Recovery and Rehabilitation:
- Hospital Stay: Most patients stay in the hospital for a few days (3-5 days) after knee replacement surgery to monitor their recovery and manage pain.
- Physical Therapy: Rehabilitation exercises and physical therapy begin shortly after surgery. A physical therapist will guide you through exercises to improve knee strength, range of motion, and mobility. My patients are encouraged to walk the day after the surgery.
- Pain Management: Medications, including pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs, are prescribed to manage post-operative pain. Nerve blocks are used to reduce pain.
- Assistive Devices: You may need to use assistive devices, such as crutches or a walker, initially to assist with walking and weight-bearing.
Follow-up Care
Regular follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor your progress, remove sutures or staples, and adjust your rehabilitation program as needed.
Risks and Complications
- Infection
- Blood clots
- Implant-related complications
- Nerve or blood vessel damage
- Knee stiffness or instability
- Allergic reactions
- Anaesthesia-related risks
It’s important to have a thorough discussion with your orthopaedic surgeon about the potential risks, benefits, and expected outcomes of knee replacement surgery based on your individual circumstances. They will provide you with specific instructions for preoperative preparation, postoperative care, and rehabilitation to ensure the best possible outcome.
