Knee Replacement

Knee replacement surgery or knee arthroplasty is a surgery that can help reduce pain and improve function in damaged knee joints. This procedure is done by cutting and removing the damaged bone and cartilage from the shin bone, thigh bone and kneecap and replacing it with prosthesis (artificial joint) made of metal alloys and high-grade plastics. This revolutionary procedure provides pain relief, improved mobility and a better quality of life to the patients. One of the most successful procedures in medicine is total knee replacement.

A typical knee replacement procedure involves four basic steps: The bone is prepared for the surgery by removing the damaged cartilage ends of the thigh bone (femur) and shin bone (tibia). Metal components are either press-fitted or cemented to replace the removed bone & cartilage. This helps to recreate the surface of the joint. The kneecap or patella is cut and resurfaced using a plastic component. This might or might not be done depending on the damage to the patella. In order to create a smooth sliding surface and avoid any friction, a medical-grade plastic spacer is placed between the metal parts.

The patient is discharged after 1 to 2 days after the surgery. Longer stay might be needed for complicated cases. The patient is able to get back to their normal daily activities within 6 weeks post surgery. However it may take 4 to 6 months to almost an entire year to get complete recovery and reaping the benefits of the surgery. A physiotherapy is usually recommended once the patient is discharged in order to gain a complete and smooth functioning of the joint. A physiotherapist will teach the patient following exercises: Exercises to strengthen knee muscles. Exercises to improve the range of motion of the joint and reduce scar tissue. How to use assistive walking devices, such as a walker and cane.

The patient is discharged after 1 to 2 days after the surgery. Longer stay might be needed for complicated cases. The patient is able to get back to their normal daily activities within 6 weeks post surgery. However it may take 4 to 6 months to almost an entire year to get complete recovery and reaping the benefits of the surgery. A physiotherapy is usually recommended once the patient is discharged in order to gain a complete and smooth functioning of the joint. A physiotherapist will teach the patient following exercises: Exercises to strengthen knee muscles. Exercises to improve the range of motion of the joint and reduce scar tissue. How to use assistive walking devices, such as a walker and cane.

Implants are made of metal alloys, ceramic material, and strong plastic parts. Up to three bone surfaces may be replaced in a total knee replacement:

• The lower end of the femur. The metal femoral component curves around the end of the femur (thighbone). It is grooved so the kneecap can move up and down smoothly against the bone as the knee bends and straightens.
• The top surface of the tibia (shinbone). The tibial component is typically a flat metal platform with a cushion of strong, durable plastic, called polyethylene. Some designs do not have the metal portion, and instead, the polyethylene attaches directly to the bone. For additional stability, the metal portion of the component may have a stem that inserts into the center of the tibia bone.
• The back surface of the patella. The patellar component is a dome-shaped piece of polyethylene that duplicates the shape of the patella (kneecap). In some cases, the patella does not need to be resurfaced.

Components are designed so that metal always interfaces with plastic, which provides for smoother movement and results in less wear of the implant.