The knee joint is extremely strong, and provides support and mobility. But because of the weight it bears, knee injuries and conditions happen often due to sports injuries or wear and tear related to arthritis. Arthritis causes the weight bearing surfaces of the knee joint to wear away, sometimes to the extent that the thigh bone or femur begins to grind on the shin bone (tibia).
During knee replacement surgery, the surgeon will remove the worn ends of the bone, as well as any remaining cartilage, and replace them with plastic and metal parts that provide an artificial cartilage to help the joint move freely.
Types of knee replacement surgery
Your surgeon will discuss with you the various surgical options available to you, taking into consideration your age, condition of your knee, overall health, and level of activity. The knee replacement operations include:
- Total knee replacement – This procedure typically involves replacing the joint surfaces at the end of the femur and top of the tibia, though the surgeon may also replace the undersurface of the patella (kneecap) with a smooth plastic dome. The new parts may be cemented in place or coated to encourage bone growth to form a natural bond.
- Partial (unicompartmental) knee replacement – Patients with strong and healthy knee ligaments, but have a case of arthritis that has affected part of the knee (the medial or inner side), leaving the other two compartments of the knee – lateral or outer and patellofemoral or kneecap – intact may qualify for a half-knee replacement. It is less invasive, meaning quicker recovery and better function.
- Kneecap replacement or patellofemoral arthroplasty – If only the surface of the kneecap and its groove or trochlea have been affected by arthritis, then they can be replaced provided the arthritis doesn’t progress to the rest of the knee joint, allowing for faster recovery.
- Complex or revision knee replacement – Patients suffering from major knee deformity, weakness of the main knee ligaments, or major bone loss due to fracture or arthritis may require a more complex procedure involving a longer stem for a stronger bond.
I am extremely grateful with Dr. Patel for making my mom feel like a million bucks! I have never met a doctor that is so passionate about his profession and most important genuinely cares about his patients. I met Dr. Patel the day of my mom’s surgery and I was very surprised when he personally came to look for me to tell me my mom was out of surgery and doing well. During my mom’s recovery she had an allergic reaction to aspirin and to our surprise Dr. Patel called us on a Saturday afternoon to check on my mom. It’s the little things that make a big difference. It’s been three months since my mom had knee replacement surgery and she feels better than ever and all thanks to Dr. Patel. Thank you again Dr. Patel, I wish more doctors were like you.
Knee replacement surgery is only considered if you are suffering severe pain and mobility problems that are not responding to non-invasive interventions, including medications, physiotherapy, and exercises if you’re overweight.