Knee Replacement Surgery

Middle-aged and third-aged patients often suffer joint problems, chafing, swelling, and bone and joint injuries that can lead to premature failure of articular cartilage. When this happens, the joint swells, becomes painful and complicates the daily mobility. In these situations, it is necessary to replace the knee with artificial components of a same form (prosthesis), a surgery called arthroplasty of the knee. This operation is the standard method of treatment for arthrosis in advanced stages , rheumatoid arthritis and avascular necrosis. After the implant of a prosthesis, the patient notes a major improvement in the quality of life through improvement or disappearance of the pain and regaining joint mobility, being able to resume active behaviour: the ability to walk, and ability to perform ordinary daily activities.

The Surgery

In knee replacement surgery (arthroplasty), a damaged, worn or diseased knee is replaced with an artificial joint. Knee replacement surgery is a routine operation for knee pain when the knee joint has been severely damaged, most commonly by arthritis. There are two main types of surgery, depending on the condition of the knee: total knee replacement and partial (half) knee replacement.(Source:HNS UK)

The knee replacement surgery usually lasts an average of 40 min; during the operation portions of bone with cartilage damage are removed, then they are replaced with prosthetic components, made of metal, plastic or ceramic material. The orthopedic doctor chooses the type of prosthesis suitable for you and gives you all the details necessary to understand the procedure you will be subject to.

Most people who have a total knee replacement are over 65, and just over half of all patients are women. Candidates for knee replacement surgery need to be well enough for both a major operation and the rehabilitation afterwards.

Revision knee replacement surgery (replacing the replacement knee) is usually more complicated and a longer procedure than the original surgery. There is no set limit to the number of times you can have revision surgery, but it is widely accepted that the artificial knee joint becomes less effective each time it is replaced.

You may consider knee replacement surgery if:

• your knee pain is so severe that it interferes with your quality of life and sleep

• medication and other treatment have not worked or cause severe side effects

• everyday tasks, such as shopping or getting out of the bath, are difficult or impossible

• you are feeling depressed because of the pain and lack of mobility

• you cannot work or have a normal social life (Source:HNS UK)

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