What is Knee Replacement Surgery?

Knee replacement surgery is a surgical procedure that is performed on patients with severe knee pain and to restore function in knees affected by a disease like arthritis. In this surgery, your damaged knee is replaced with the artificial implant which is made up of a material like metal, ceramic, or plastic. These implants are almost the same as your knee structure and provide the improved function of the knee. 

When other treatments are ineffective to reduce your knee pain and improve functioning, knee replacement surgery is recommended as a successful method to greatly improve your quality of life with debilitating knee conditions.

What are the Most Common Causes of Knee Replacement Surgery?

Some common causes of knee replacement surgery are:

Osteoarthritis : It is a degenerative joint disease leading to cartilage wear and causes severe pain in your knees and makes them stiff.

Rheumatoid Arthritis : It is an autoimmune inflammation that damages your knee joints and causes swelling.

Post-Traumatic Arthritis : It can be the result of significant knee injuries that will damage your knee joint surfaces and convert them into arthritis.

Knee Deformities : Abnormal knee structures that can stress and damage your knee joint.
Infections or tumors: Knee complications that can arise from infections or tumor growth and may severely affect your knee function.

What are the Types of Knee Replacement Surgery?

Conventional Total Knee Replacement

This is the most conventional form of total knee replacement. In this, your damaged bone is removed and cartilage from your thigh bone and shinbone are replaced with artificial implants made of metal or plastic.

Minimally Invasive Total Knee Replacement

In this technique, small incisions are made, and special kinds of tools are used to limit the damage to your knee during the surgery. It is very beneficial to reduce pain after an operation and speed up the recovery process.

Patient-Specific Total Knee Replacement

This involves creating implants that are specifically designed according to your joint deformity. It may include the advanced 3D modeling techniques to design implants that fit your knee joint more accurately.

Partial Knee Replacement

This is also known as unicompartmental knee replacement. This procedure involves replacing your damaged part of the knee. It is suitable for you if you have limited joint damage that involves only a single compartment of your knee.

Revision Total Knee Replacement

If your previously implanted knee replacement fails over time, the revision knee replacement is performed. It involves removing your old prosthesis and replacing it with a new one.

Recovery Exercises for Knee Replacement Surgery

Quadriceps Sets : Tighten your thigh muscles while straightening the knee, hold for a few seconds, and then relax.

Straight Leg Raises : Lie down and lift the leg slowly with the knee straight. Keep your leg elevated for a few seconds before lowering it.

Heel Slides : Slide the heel towards the buttocks while bending the knee and then slide it back to the starting position of your knee.

Ankle Pumps : Flex and move your ankle in clockwise and anti-clockwise direction to improve blood circulation and prevent blood clots.

Knee Flexion Stretch : Gently bend your knee, holding it in a comfortable position for a brief period.

How is a Total Knee Replacement Performed?

Anesthesia : you will get administered with anesthesia before starting the surgery so that you cannot feel any pain and discomfort during the surgery.

Incision : The surgeon makes an incision over the front of your knee to expose your knee joint.

Reshaping of Bones : The damaged ends of your thigh bone and shin bone are carefully cut and reshaped and the artificial implants are placed according to your knee structure.

Implant Placement : Metal components are then secured to your reshaped bones. 

Patellar Resurfacing : In some cases, the back of your kneecap is also resurfaced with a plastic button to improve its function.

Joint Evaluation : The surgeon checks your knee joint's movement and ensures that the artificial components fit together correctly according to your knee structure.

Closure : The incision is then carefully closed with stitches.

What are Knee Replacement Implants Made of?

Knee replacement implants are commonly made of biocompatible materials, such as cobalt-chromium alloy for metal components, polyethylene for spacers, and ceramics like zirconia or alumina for certain bearing surfaces. These materials ensure durability, reduce wear, and restore your joint function effectively.

Can I Avoid or Postpone a Knee Replacement?

In some cases, it may be possible to avoid or postpone a knee replacement through alternative treatments and lifestyle changes.

• Some medications to reduce pain and swelling can be used.
• Physical therapy can reduce your symptoms and can manage the pain.
• Low level of exercises like swimming and cycling can be beneficial for you without putting extra stress on your damaged knee.
• Symptoms can also be reduced if you maintain your weight.
• Some lifestyle modifications can also help in reducing the stress on your knees that can ultimately reduce your knee pain.

How Do I Know if I Need Knee Replacement Surgery?

The decision for knee replacement surgery is typically made after considering several factors. If you are experiencing any of the following, it may be an indication that you need to consider knee replacement surgery:

• Persistent knee pain that affects your daily activities and is not relieved by conservative treatments like medications, physical therapy, or injections.
• Significant functional limitations, such as difficulty walking, climbing stairs, or getting up from a chair.
• Severe knee stiffness that limits your range of motion.
• Chronic inflammation and swelling in your knee joint.
• Progressive knee deformity or instability.
• Inability to find relief from knee pain even at rest.
• Non-surgical treatments have been tried, but the knee condition continues to worsen.

How Long Does a Knee Replacement Last?

The longevity of a knee replacement can vary depending on factors such as your age, activity level, weight, and the type of implant surgeon used on you in previous surgery. Generally, knee replacements are designed to last for at least 15 to 20 years or more. 

Younger, more active individuals may put more stress on the implant, which can potentially lead to faster damage of the implant. In contrast, older and less active individuals may experience a longer lifespan for their knee replacement.

How Long is it before I can walk after a Knee Replacement?

The time it takes to walk after a knee replacement can vary from person to person, but most patients can begin walking with the help of a walker or crutches within 24 hours after the surgery. In the initial days following the procedure, you are encouraged to put partial weight on the operated leg while using assistive devices.

As recovery progresses and the knee heals, patients typically transition to using a cane and gradually increase their weight-bearing activities. If you have gone through knee replacement then by the end of the first month, you can walk short distances without any walking aids.

Knee Replacement Recovery Time and Recuperation

Hospital Stay : Most patients stay in the hospital for 1 to 3 days after the surgery. It depends on your recovery progress and overall health.

Initial Recovery : During the first few weeks, you will need assistance for daily activities, and you will use assistive devices like walkers or canes. Physical therapy will be a significant part of your routine to regain knee strength and mobility.

Weeks 2 to 6 : Gradually, you will reduce the use of assistive devices and experience improved mobility. Physical therapy will continue to focus on increasing knee flexibility and strength.

Weeks 6 to 12 : By this time, you can walk without any aids and return to light activities. However, complete recovery may still be ongoing.

Months 3 to 6 : You should experience significant improvement in knee function, and most daily activities should be manageable. Physical therapy will continue to optimize your knee strength and movement.

Full Recovery : By this time, you should notice a remarkable reduction in pain and an increase in knee function. Yow will be able to participate in various activities.

How to Prepare for Knee Replacement?

Pre-operating preparation is a necessary part of the knee replacement procedure. 

First, you should consult with your orthopedic surgeon to discuss the condition and expectations. The surgeon will go through medical evaluation to ensure the knee replacement surgery is suitable for you.

Inform your surgeon of all medications, supplements, and herbs you take. Make lifestyle adjustments like quitting or reducing smoking and maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine. 

Prepare your home for post-surgery comfort and convenience. Arrange for help during the initial recovery period and schedule physical therapy sessions. Learn about the procedure, post-surgery care, and potential risks to ease anxiety. Coordinate with your healthcare team and confirm hospital arrangements for a well-planned and effective knee replacement journey.

FAQs of Knee Replacement Surgery Procedure

What is the Best Thing to Do After Knee Replacement Surgery?

After knee replacement surgery, the best thing to do is follow your surgeon and physical therapist's instructions carefully. Engage in regular physical therapy and perform prescribed exercises.

How Long is Recovery from Knee Replacement Surgery?

The recovery period can vary from each individual. It may take up to 6 weeks to a year.

Can you Climb Stairs after Knee Replacement?

Yes, most individuals can climb stairs after knee replacement surgery.

What is the Range of Motion after Knee Replacement?

On average, you can expect a flexion range of 60 to 90 degrees and near full extension.

What is the Cost of Knee Replacement in India?

The cost of total knee replacement surgery in India can be between 4,000 and 10,000 USD

How Painful is a Knee Replacement?

Pain after knee replacement is different for different individuals. Pain is managed with medications.

What is the Newest Type of Knee Replacement?

The newest types of knee replacement often involves more durable materials or incorporating personalized 3D-printed components.

What Metal is Used in Knee Replacement?

The most common metal used in knee replacement implants is cobalt-chromium alloy.

Is Knee Surgery Major or Minor Surgery?

Knee surgery is considered a major surgery because it involves the replacement of a joint.

What not to do after Knee Replacement?

After knee replacement, avoid high-impact activities, excessive bending or twisting of the knee, and lifting heavy objects.