Knee Arthroplasty

Knee arthroplasty, also known as knee replacement surgery, is a surgical procedure to replace the weight-bearing surfaces of the knee joint to relieve pain and disability.

Types of Knee Arthroplasty

• Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA): This is the most common type of knee arthroplasty, where the entire knee joint is replaced with artificial components.
• Partial Knee Arthroplasty (PKA): This type of surgery replaces only one part of the knee joint, either the medial (inner) or lateral (outer) compartment.
• Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty (UKA): This is a type of partial knee arthroplasty that replaces only one compartment of the knee joint.
• Bicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty: This type of surgery replaces two compartments of the knee joint.
• Patellofemoral Arthroplasty: This type of surgery replaces only the patella (kneecap) and the groove in the femur (thigh bone) where it slides.

Indications for Knee Arthroplasty

Knee arthroplasty is typically recommended for patients with severe knee pain and disability due to:

• Osteoarthritis (wear and tear of the joint cartilage)
• Rheumatoid arthritis (inflammation of the joint lining)
• Post-traumatic arthritis (joint damage after a severe injury)
• Avascular necrosis (death of bone tissue due to lack of blood supply)

Surgical Procedure

The surgical procedure for knee arthroplasty typically involves:

• Administering anesthesia to the patient
• Making an incision in the skin to access the knee joint
• Removing damaged or diseased bone and cartilage
• Preparing the bone surfaces for the artificial components
• Implanting the artificial components, which may include a metal femoral component, a plastic tibial component, and a patellar component
• Closing the incision site

Risks and Complications

As with any surgical procedure, knee arthroplasty carries risks and potential complications, including:

• Bleeding or hematoma
• Infection
• Nerve damage
• Blood clots (deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism)
• Loosening of the artificial components over time

Recovery and Rehabilitation

After knee arthroplasty, patients typically require:

• Pain management with medication and physical therapy
• Rest and ice to reduce swelling and pain
• Gradual mobilization and weight-bearing exercises to improve range of motion and strength
• Physical therapy to regain knee function and mobility

Outcomes and Prognosis

The outcome of knee arthroplasty is generally excellent, with most patients experiencing significant pain relief and improved functional ability.

• Studies have shown that 90-95% of patients are satisfied with their outcome after TKA
• The artificial components can last for 15-20 years or more, depending on the type of implant and patient factors

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is knee arthroplasty?
Knee arthroplasty, also known as knee replacement surgery, is a procedure to replace a damaged or diseased knee joint with artificial components.

Why is knee arthroplasty performed?
It is typically performed to relieve pain and disability caused by severe arthritis or other knee problems.

What are the types of knee arthroplasty?
There are several types, including total knee replacement, partial knee replacement, and revision knee replacement.

What are the benefits of knee arthroplasty?
Benefits may include reduced pain, improved mobility, and enhanced quality of life, although individual results can vary.

What are the risks associated with knee arthroplasty?
Risks may include infection, blood clots, nerve damage, and prosthesis failure, among others.

How long does knee arthroplasty surgery typically take?
Surgery time can range from 1 to 3 hours, depending on the complexity of the procedure.

What is the typical recovery time for knee arthroplasty?
Recovery time can vary, but most patients can expect several weeks to several months of rehabilitation and physical therapy.

Will I need to stay in the hospital after knee arthroplasty?
Hospital stays can range from a few days to a week or more, depending on individual circumstances and the surgeon's preferences.

Can I resume normal activities after knee arthroplasty?
Most patients can eventually return to normal activities, but high-impact activities may need to be avoided or modified to prolong the life of the prosthetic joint.

How long does a knee replacement typically last?
The longevity of a knee replacement can vary, but most prosthetic joints can last 15 to 20 years or more with proper care and maintenance.