Knee Replacement

The most common reason for knee replacement surgery is to ease pain caused by arthritis. People who need knee replacement surgery often have problems walking, climbing stairs and getting up out of chairs.

If only one part of the knee is damaged, surgeons often can replace just that part. This is called a partial knee replacement. If the entire joint needs to be replaced, the ends of the thighbone and shinbone are reshaped, and the entire joint is resurfaced. This is called a total knee replacement. The thighbone and shinbone are hard tubes that contain a soft center. The ends of the artificial parts are inserted into the softer central part of the bones.

Ligaments are bands of tissue that help hold joints together. If the knee's ligaments aren't strong enough to hold the joint together by themselves, the surgeon may choose implants that can be connected so they can't come apart.

The Knee: Reconstruction, Replacement and Revision

You may be a candidate if you have:

✔ Severe knee pain that affects walking, climbing stairs, or daily tasks.

✔ Osteoarthritis or Rheumatoid Arthritis causing joint damage.

✔ Knee stiffness and swelling that doesn’t improve with medication or therapy.

✔ Deformity – such as a bowed or knocked-knee appearance.

How is the Surgery Performed?

During surgery:

🔹Makes an incision over the knee.🔹 The surgeon removes damaged cartilage and bone from the knee joint., leaving the healthy bone intact🔹 A metal and plastic implant (prosthesis) is placed to mimic a natural knee joint.🔹 The artificial joint allows for smooth movement and eliminates pain.

The surgery takes about 1–2 hours, and patients typically stay in the hospital for a day or two before starting rehabilitation.

Minimally Invasive Total Knee Replacement

Newer minimally invasive techniques allow for:

✅ Smaller incisions (less tissue damage).

✅ Faster recovery with less pain and swelling.

✅ Quicker return to daily activities.

Benefits of Total Knee Replacement

✔ Eliminates knee pain and stiffness.✔ Restores mobility and improves quality of life.✔ Long-lasting results – Implants can last 15–20 years or more.✔ Improves stability and corrects deformities.

Recovery & Rehabilitation

• Walking with support starts within 24 hours after surgery.

• Physical therapy is crucial for regaining strength and movement.

• Most patients return to normal activities within 6–12 weeks.