Knee Replacement
Knee replacement surgery, also known as knee arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure to replace an all or part of a damaged knee joint with artificial components . This is a common surgery performed to relieve pain and improve function in people with severe knee arthritis or other conditions.
Types of Knee Replacement
There are two main types of knee replacement surgery
- Total knee replacement (TKR): In this most common type of knee replacement, the surgeon replaces both the shinbone (tibia) and thighbone (femur) condyles (rounded ends) and the kneecap (patella) with prosthetic components made of metal and plastic .
- Partial knee replacement (unicompartmental knee arthroplasty): This procedure replaces only the damaged part of the knee joint, typically the medial (inner) or lateral (outer) compartment. Partial knee replacement is typically recommended for people with arthritis that only affects one compartment of the knee.
Who Needs Knee Replacement
- You have severe knee pain and stiffness that limits your daily activities
- You have tried non-surgical treatments, such as medication, physical therapy, and injections, without relief
- Your knee pain is so severe that it makes it difficult to walk or climb stairs
Benefits of Knee Replacement
- Reducing knee pain and stiffness
- Improving your range of motion
- Helping you return to your daily activities
Risks of Knee Replacement
- Infection
- Blood clots
- Nerve damage
- Loosening or wear of the implant
- Stiffness
- Continued pain
Recovery from Knee Replacement
Recovery from knee replacement surgery typically takes several months. You will need to participate in physical therapy to help you regain strength and range of motion in your knee.
