Knee Replacement Surgery-EmergeOrtho Blue Ridge Region
Knee replacement surgery, or knee arthroplasty, is one of the most common joint replacement surgeries with 800,000 surgeries performed each year in the United States. Generally, older adults receive the most knee replacements, though, in some instances, middle-aged adults will receive them, too.
With knee surgeries being so common, learning about knee anatomy as well as what contributes to needing knee surgery will provide beneficial knowledge to you or a loved one.
What is Knee Replacement Surgery?
Knee replacement surgery is a procedure that involves removing damaged bone and cartilage from the thigh bone, shinbone, and kneecap. Those parts removed get replaced with a prosthesis composed of metal alloys, high-grade plastics, and polymers. They are designed to alleviate pain, repair damage, and increase mobility, strength, and stability in damaged knees.
There are two types of knee replacements: partial knee replacement and total knee replacement. Orthopedic surgeons often recommend partial or total knee replacement surgery based on the severity of your knee condition. If you have any of the following conditions or symptoms, you may need surgery:
Arthritis
Osteoarthritis—Wearing down of cartilage over time
Rheumatoid arthritis—The body’s immune system attacks its own joints
Post-traumatic arthritis—Inflammation in joints after trauma
Post-injury pain
Nonsurgical treatments no longer work
Pain interferes with daily tasks
Pain when resting
Pain when sleeping
An evaluation with a physician will determine if you need surgery. Your orthopedic surgeon will need an assessment to determine if you are fit for orthopedic surgery. The assessment involves assessing the knee’s function through a physical examination, getting laboratory and diagnostic testing, and an X-ray or MRI. The surgeon will then inform you if you need a partial or total knee replacement.
When observing your knee through an X-ray or MRI, your doctor will be looking for specific signs that point to a partial or total knee replacement surgery. Knowing the anatomy of the knee will help to understand when a partial or total knee replacement is needed.
Knee Anatomy
The knee is made up of three compartments:
Medial Compartment (the inside part of the knee)
Lateral Compartment (the outside part)
Patellofemoral Compartment (the front of the knee between the kneecap and thigh bone)
Knee replacement surgery is recommended when one or all cartilage surfaces get compromised. If one or two compartments only need to be replaced, then you will get a partial knee replacement. When all three compartments get compromised, a full knee replacement will likely be recommended. Though both surgeries have high success rates, they have different processes.
Partial Knee Replacement
A partial knee replacement procedure is similar to a total knee replacement procedure. The difference is that the healthy cartilage and bones, as well as all of the ligaments, are preserved in a partial knee replacement. Only the damaged cartilage is treated.
Benefits of a partial knee replacement surgery may include:
Quicker recovery time
Less post-operative pain
Less blood loss
More natural feeling
During the surgery, the orthopedic surgeon will make a small incision to gain access to the affected knee compartment. The surgeon will locate the damaged area in the affected location. The surgeon then adds the prosthesis components, which are specifically designed for each individual patient.
After you get your partial knee replacement, you will be able to begin moving slightly the next day. In a day or two, you will be discharged. By working with a physical therapist for two to four weeks, you will start to strengthen your knee. In six to eight weeks, you should return back to full activity, though some limitations may be in place. For example, you may be told to avoid running, as it puts stress on the knee.
Total Knee Replacement
A total knee replacement is similar to a partial, except all three knee components are affected and replaced. After your initial evaluation, your orthopedic surgeon will inform you that you will be receiving a total knee replacement. Traditionally, there are four steps to a full knee replacement:
A vertical incision is made over the knee to expose the joint.
The damaged cartilage surfaces are removed, as well as some small areas of the underlying bone.
The metal implants are inserted in the place of the removed cartilage and bone. If applicable, the kneecap is also resurfaced with a plastic button.
A special polymer plastic spacer is inserted between the metal components to ensure smooth movement.
After knee replacement surgery, most patients receive a significant decrease in pain and discomfort. With physical therapy, most patients will be able to walk without assistance between three and six weeks of recovery. Depending on how you heal, by three to six months, you should be able to return to full activities.
Regardless if you received a partial or total knee replacement, be sure to follow the recovery instructions of your orthopedic surgeon. Failure to do so may cause issues such as infection, prolonged recovery, or possibly another surgery.
Why Choose EmergeOrtho—Blue Ridge Region
When it comes time to have a knee replacement surgery, EmergeOrtho—Blue Ridge Region offers the best board-certified orthopedic surgeons for your procedure. With years of expertise, your care will be in the hands of top professionals.
Our region also offers minimally invasive knee replacement surgery. Minimally invasive surgery may offer other benefits than traditional surgery, such as:
The surgery is performed with special, miniature instruments.
The tissue surrounding the knee is cut less.
The technique used to open the knee is less invasive.
This approach may provide many benefits to the patient, including a smaller incision, less trauma, and a quicker recovery time.
If you need knee surgery or want to be evaluated, schedule your appointment with our expert orthopedic surgeons.
