The procedure involves removing the damaged bone and cartilage from the knee joint and replacing it with prosthetic components that mimic the function of the natural joint. Total knee arthroplasty is typically recommended for individuals with severe knee pain and disability due to conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or injury.
The surgery is performed under general or regional anesthesia and typically requires a hospital stay of several days, followed by a period of rehabilitation to help restore range of motion, strength, and function to the knee joint.
What Is Total Knee Arthroplasty?
The decision to undergo arthroplasty is typically made after other treatments, such as medication, physical therapy, and joint injections, have failed to provide adequate relief of symptoms. The goal of total knee arthroplasty is to alleviate pain, improve mobility, and restore function to the knee joint.
During the total knee arthroplasty, the surgeon will make an incision in the front of the knee and remove the damaged cartilage and bone. The ends of the femur (thigh bone) and tibia (shin bone) are then reshaped to accommodate the prosthetic components, which are typically made of metal and/or plastic.
The patella (kneecap) may also be resurfaced or replaced with a plastic component. The prosthetic components are then attached to the bone using bone cement or through press-fit techniques.
Recovery Time
After the surgery, patients will typically stay in the hospital for several days to monitor their recovery and manage pain. Rehabilitation will begin soon after surgery and may involve physical therapy, exercises to improve range of motion, and gradually increasing weight-bearing on the affected knee. Most patients are able to resume normal activities, such as walking and climbing stairs, within a few weeks to several months after surgery.
As with any surgery, there are risks associated with total knee arthroplasty, including infection, blood clots, nerve damage, and complications related to anesthesia. However, for most patients, the benefits of the surgery outweigh the risks, and total knee arthroplasty is a safe and effective treatment option for severe knee pain and disability.
What Is the Difference Between Arthroplasty and Replacement?
Arthroplasty and replacement are related terms that describe different surgical approaches to treating joint problems.
Replacement involves removing a damaged or diseased joint and replacing it with a prosthetic joint. For example, total knee replacement is a type of joint replacement surgery that involves removing the entire knee joint and replacing it with a prosthetic knee joint made of metal, plastic, and/or ceramic components.
On the other hand, arthroplasty refers to a surgical procedure that involves reshaping or realigning a joint to improve its function or alleviate pain. In some cases, arthroplasty may involve removing a portion of the joint surface, such as in a partial knee replacement, or removing damaged or diseased tissue, such as in a meniscectomy or debridement.
Total knee arthroplasty can also involve joint resurfacing, which may be done with a variety of materials, including metal, plastic, and/or ceramic. If you have any further questions about procedure, please contact us.