Knee replacement surgery can help relieve pain and restore function in severely diseased knee joints. During this surgery, a damaged, worn, or diseased knee will be replaced with an artificial joint (prosthesis), which is made of metal alloys, high-grade plastics, and polymers. Mostly the patients who need a knee replacement are between 60 and 80 years old. There’s a smaller operation called a partial knee replacement, usually performed on people between the ages of 55-64, where the artificial joint is expected to need redoing within 10 years. Your doctor can choose from a variety of knee replacement prostheses and surgical techniques, considering your age, weight, activity level, knee size and shape, and overall health.
When is a knee replacement needed?
The most common reason for knee replacement surgery is osteoarthritis. Other health conditions that cause knee damage include:
Rheumatoid arthritis
Hemophilia
Gout
Disorders that cause unusual bone growth
Death of bone in the knee joint following blood supply problems
Knee injury
Knee deformity with pain and loss of cartilage
Why is knee replacement surgery done?
The most common reason for knee replacement surgery is to relieve severe pain caused by osteoarthritis. People who need knee replacement surgery usually have problems walking, climbing stairs, and getting in and out of chairs. Some also have knee pain at rest. Undergoing knee replacement surgery can also have some disadvantageswith it.
Types of knee replacement surgery
There are 2 major types of knee replacement surgery, including:
Total knee replacement: both sides of your knee joint are replaced
Partial (half) knee replacement: only 1 side of your joint is replaced in a smaller operation with a shorter hospital stay and recovery period
The Pros and Cons of Knee Replacement
Knee replacement is a surgical procedure that involves replacing the damaged parts of the knee joint with artificial implants. It is usually done to treat severe knee pain and disability caused by osteoarthritis or other conditions that affect the knee cartilage. Knee replacement can have both pros and cons, depending on the individual situation and expectations. Some of the pros and cons of knee replacement include:
Knee Replacement Pros
Providing significant relief from chronic and debilitating knee pain, and improving the quality of life and function of the knee.
Restoring the full range of motion of the knee, and allowing the patient to resume normal activities, such as walking, climbing stairs, or exercising.
Prevent further damage to the knee joint and surrounding tissues, and reduce the risk of complications, such as infection, inflammation, or deformity.
The results can last for many years, offering a high success rate and patient satisfaction.
Knee Replacement Cons
Risks and complications, such as bleeding, infection, blood clots, nerve damage, implant failure, or revision surgery.
Requiring a long and intensive recovery process, which involves pain, swelling, stiffness, physical therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes.
It may not completely eliminate the pain or restore the original function of the knee and may result in some limitations, such as kneeling, squatting, or running.
It may not be suitable for everyone and may depend on factors such as age, weight, health status, bone quality, and expectations.
Knee replacement is a decision that should be made after careful consideration of the pros and cons, and in consultation with a doctor who can advise on the best option for each case.
Conclusions
Knee replacement is a surgical procedure that can provide significant relief from chronic and debilitating knee pain caused by osteoarthritis or other conditions. It involves replacing the damaged parts of the knee joint with artificial implants that can restore the full range of motion and function of the knee. However, knee replacement is not without its risks and challenges, such as possible complications, a long recovery process, and some limitations. Therefore, knee replacement is a decision that should be made after careful consideration of the pros and cons, and in consultation with a doctor who can advise on the best option for each case. Knee replacement can be a life-changing surgery for many people, but it is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It is important to weigh the benefits and drawbacks of this procedure and to have realistic expectations about the outcome.