Patients experiencing severe pain and stiffness that do not respond to conservative treatments or less invasive surgeries may require total knee arthroplasty, commonly known as knee replacement. This procedure helps alleviate pain and restore function when osteoarthritis causes the cartilage to deteriorate, leading to painful joint movement.
In a healthy knee, smooth cartilage cushions the bone ends. However, when osteoarthritis develops, the wear and tear on the cartilage can result in pain and stiffness that may eventually require surgical intervention.
Request an AppointmentTotal Knee Arthroplasty Procedure
Total knee replacement surgery is performed in a hospital setting under general anesthesia. During the procedure, an incision is made to access the knee joint, where the damaged bone and cartilage are removed. After the damaged tissue is cleared, the prosthetic components—made from metal and plastic—are inserted. These artificial parts allow the joint to move smoothly, providing the patient with pain relief and improved mobility.
The prosthetic components may be fixed in place using either cement or press-fit techniques. Cemented knee replacements are most commonly used, providing immediate support by fixing the implant directly to the bone. Press-fit replacements allow the surrounding bone to grow into the implant, promoting long-term stability.
Recent advancements in surgical techniques have led to the development of minimally invasive knee replacement procedures. These methods require smaller incisions and less manipulation of the surrounding muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Minimally invasive surgery can offer several benefits, including less bleeding, smaller scars, reduced pain, and quicker recovery.
Recovery from Total Knee Arthroplasty
Recovery time after total knee arthroplasty can vary depending on the procedure and the patient’s overall health. A short hospital stay is typical, with most patients experiencing immediate relief from the pre-surgery joint pain. However, some post-operative discomfort is expected, which can be managed with prescribed pain medications.
Physical therapy usually begins the day after surgery to promote healing and restore function. Patients typically undergo inpatient rehabilitation for about a week or start outpatient physical therapy a few times a week. Therapy focuses on helping patients progress from using assistive devices like walkers or crutches to walking without support on stairs and uneven surfaces.
Continuous passive motion (CPM) machines are often used to reduce recovery time and prevent muscle tightness while keeping the joint in motion without strain. Patients are also given home exercises to enhance the rehabilitation process.
Risks of Total Knee Arthroplasty
Although total knee arthroplasty is a safe procedure for most patients, like any surgery, it carries certain risks. These risks include infection, excessive bleeding, blood clots, the formation of excessive scar tissue, limited range of motion, nerve damage, and potential implant rejection.
For the majority of patients, however, total knee arthroplasty proves to be a highly successful procedure, providing significant pain relief and an improved quality of life.