Complete Guide to Knee Replacement Surgery: Types, Tests & Recovery

The knee is a crucial body part that significantly supports mobility. When damaged, it can affect your quality of life. In some cases, you might as well have to get them replaced. Let us quickly look into what knee replacement is so you can understand whether this is a reliable solution to your knee pain management.

Knee Replacement: What is it?

Knee replacement or knee arthroplasty is a surgical operation wherein the knee's natural bone and cartilage are replaced with artificial components. This successfully recreates the joint's weight-bearing surface or capability.

The best joint replacement surgeon in Ahmedabad often recommends this to people with a serious knee injury or severe arthritis.

Knee Replacement: Why is it Required?

The knee replacement surgery becomes essential when a severe disease or damage results in limited mobility, chronic pain, and decreased life quality. Some of the most common reasons why your doctor might recommend this are rheumatoid arthritis, advanced osteoarthritis, or traumatic injuries.

What are the Types of Knee Replacement Surgeries?

There are different types of knee replacement to help patients improve mobility and alleviate discomfort. Please note that the type suitable for someone depends on their condition and joint damage. 

- Partial/unicompartmental Knee Replacement

Commonly known as PKR, this surgical procedure involves replacing the damaged area of the knee with a prosthesis. This is ideally chosen when only one portion, whether inside, front, or outside, is affected. PKR is particularly recommended for patients struggling with knee joint issues or localized arthritis.

- Revision/complex Knee Replacement

Revision or complex knee replacement is performed if complications arise or the previous knee replacement fails. The procedure treats infection, implant loosening, or severe bone loss. 

- Kneecap Replacement

Arthritis can trigger continuous knee pain and limited mobility. Kneecap replacement is an ideal option to treat this. The procedure involves replacing the kneecap's undersurface and the groove (trochlea).

- Total Knee Arthroplasty

Also known as TKR, this is the most common knee replacement surgery. In this, doctors replace the natural knee joint with an artificial joint with metallic components separated by a plastic spacer. This surgery generally treats rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, or severe knee trauma.

What Tests are Conducted Before Knee Replacement?

Before undergoing a knee replacement, patients are required to undergo certain tests. The results help orthopedic specialists evaluate the overall health and identify any underlying conditions. Some tests recommended are:

- Physical examination of the knee joint

- X-rays

- Blood tests

- Assessment of mobility and functional status

- Bone density scan (DEXA Scan)

Wrapping Up

Knee replacement is a surgical procedure to ease knee pain from certain medical conditions. This significantly improves the life quality of patients. To understand whether this is right for you, get in touch with an expert knee replacement surgeon in Maninagar.