Knee arthroplasty, commonly known as a knee replacement, is a type of surgery done to cure knee pain and restore the functions of the knee joints. People suffering from osteoarthritis are advised to undergo this surgery. These people are generally those who have knee pain and are unable to walk, run, or climb stairs and find difficulty getting up from a chair.

In this procedure, the surgeons cut the damaged cartilage and bone from the shinbone, thigh bone and kneecap and replace them with a prosthesis (artificial joint). This artificial joint is made up of polymers, high-grade plastics and metal alloys.

Orthopaedic surgeons assess the knee motion, stability and strength to check whether the person is eligible for the knee replacement or not. X-rays help them to determine the extent of knee damage.

The surgical procedures for knee replacement depend on the age, activity level, health, weight, and knee size and shape of the patient.

Why Choose CARE Hospitals for Knee Replacement Surgery?

CARE Hospitals use the expertise in combination with advanced technology to ensure successful knee replacement surgeries. We provide:

Cutting-edge Knee Replacement Methods: Our approach to knee replacement surgery incorporates advanced methods, including both "minimally invasive" and "robotic-assisted" techniques.

• Expert Orthopedic Surgeons in Hyderabad: Our orthopedic surgeons are exceptionally qualified and specialized in both total and partial knee replacements.
• Tailored Treatment & Care: Our approach centers on delivering care that's specifically suited to your needs. Every patient gets a personalized treatment plan, designed to give you the best possible outcome.
• High Success Rates: We consistently achieve excellent outcomes in knee replacement surgeries. This is largely due to the unwavering commitment to clinical protocols and rigorous safety standards.
• Insurance Support: We provide effective knee replacement surgeries with insurance coverage and assistance.

When is Knee Replacement Surgery Recommended?

When conventional medical treatments prove insufficient, knee replacement surgery is recommended. The following symptoms are some of the common indications for knee replacement surgery:

• Severe Knee Pain Affecting Daily Activities: Knee pain can affect walking, climbing, and comfortable sitting or standing.
• Severe osteoarthritis: The cartilage in the knee joint deteriorates, causing the bones to grind against one another. This often results in pain, stiffness, and a diminished range of motion in the knee.
• Failure of Non-surgical Treatments: When non-surgical treatments fail to provide relief, surgery may become a viable option, essentially stepping in where other methods have not succeeded.
• Joint Stiffness: Knee joint stiffness can be quite pronounced, making it hard to fully bend or straighten the leg, which impacts walking.
• Swelling & Inflammation: Chronic swelling and inflammation within the knee, even with rest, can signal joint damage and potentially necessitate surgical intervention.
• Knee Deformities: Changes in the knee's shape, such as bow legs or knock-knees, can develop over time, affecting the joint's overall balance.
• Joint Damage from Injury/Arthritic Conditions: The above surgical recommendations apply to people with severe knee joint damage from injuries or arthritic conditions.

Knee replacement surgery is a remedy for knee pain and disability, primarily prompted by osteoarthritis, a prevalent condition characterized by the deterioration of joint cartilage. This breakdown results in restricted movement and pain due to damage to the cartilage and bones. Individuals with advanced degenerative joint disease often struggle with everyday activities involving knee bending, such as walking or stair climbing, due to pain. 

Other types of arthritis, like rheumatoid arthritis or arthritis resulting from a knee injury, can similarly contribute to knee joint degeneration. Additionally, irreparable damage to the knee joint may result from fractures, torn cartilage, or ligament injuries.

What are the Types of Knee Replacement Surgeries?

There are a total of five types of knee replacement surgery. They are:

• Total knee replacement surgery—In this whole knee replacement surgery, the under-surface of the kneecap (patella) is replaced with a smooth plastic dome. 
• Partial knee replacement surgery (unicompartmental)—This type of knee surgery is done when the inner side of the knee is affected by arthritis. This surgery is performed by making a small cut in the knee.
• Patellofemoral arthroplasty (kneecap replacement)—This procedure involves the removal of the under-surface of the kneecap and its groove (the trochlea).
• The revision or complex knee replacement—The patient needs this surgery if he is having a second or third joint replacement on the same knee. This complex knee surgery is done to treat the fracture, weakness of the knee ligaments, and deformity of the knee.
• Cartilage restoration—This type of surgery involves the replacement of the isolated area of injury in the knee with the living cartilage graft.

How to Prepare for Knee Replacement Surgery? (Pre Surgery and Post Surgery)

Knee replacement surgery will be carried out as a step-by-step process starting with the pre-surgical preparation, procedure, and post-surgical care. Below is a detailed discussion of the procedure:

• Before Knee Replacement Surgery:
  • Pre-surgical Evaluation: The patient undergoes a thorough evaluation, including medical history, physical examination, and imaging tests, to assess the extent of knee damage and overall health.
  • Medical Optimization: Health issues such as heart conditions or infections are addressed to minimize risks during surgery.
  • Discussion with Surgeon: The surgeon explains the procedure, potential risks, and expected outcomes. The patient may ask questions and share preferences and concerns.
• During Knee Replacement Surgery:
  • Anesthesia: The patient is given anesthesia to ensure they are unconscious and pain-free during the surgery.
  • Incision: The surgeon makes an incision to access the knee joint, usually following a pre-planned approach.
  • Joint Resurfacing: Damaged bone and cartilage are removed, and the joint surfaces are replaced with artificial components, which may be cemented or press-fit.
  • Wound Closure: After implant placement, the incision is closed, and a drain may be inserted to remove excess fluids.
• After Knee Replacement Surgery:
  • Recovery in Hospital: The patient is monitored in a recovery room before being transferred to a hospital room.
  • Physical Therapy: Rehabilitation starts soon after surgery to regain strength, flexibility, and joint function.
  • Pain Management: Medications are provided to manage post-operative pain, and the patient is educated on pain control techniques.
  • Hospital Stay: The length of hospital stay varies, but patients typically stay for a few days, during which they receive care and assistance.
  • Follow-up Care: Regular follow-up appointments with the surgeon are scheduled to monitor healing, assess progress, and address any concerns.
  • Physical Therapy at Home: After discharge, patients continue exercises at home and attend outpatient physical therapy sessions.
  • Resuming Activities: Gradual return to daily activities and exercises to improve strength and mobility.
  • Long-term Monitoring: Periodic check-ups are conducted to assess the longevity and functionality of the knee replacement.

Diagnostic Tests

CARE Hospitals performs various tests for diagnosing knee problems. Based on these tests, the surgeons decide whether the person requires knee replacement surgery or not. The tests are as follows:

• Physical Examination 
  • Our doctors will visually inspect the knee for deformities, swelling, changes in skin colour, or redness.
  • They will touch and feel the knee for coolness or warmth and check whether the patient feels sensations or not.
  • The doctors will examine the motion of the knee and will listen to the sound made by the knee.
  • They will ask the patient to move the knee joint and leg to check the mobility.
• Imaging Tests
  • X-rays of the knee are taken to detect bone spurs, joint alignment and fractures.
  • CT scans help doctors to see pictures of soft tissues like muscles and ligaments.
  • MRIs are done to get detailed images of the structures from different angles inside the knee joint. These include blood vessels, cartilage and bones.
  • An arthroscopy test is done to see the inner anatomy of the knee.
• Manual Resistive Tests
  • Varus and valgus tests are done to determine the stability of the leg bones below and above the knee. In these tests, stress is applied to the knee with the immobilization of the ankle.
  • Apley's compression test uses a slight force to determine the state of the knee meniscus.
  • Patellofemoral compression tests are conducted in which pressure is exerted on the thighbone and the kneecap to check whether there are any issues in that particular region. 

What are the Benefits of Knee Replacement Surgery?

Knee replacement surgery is generally recommended by the orthopedic surgeons in order to relieve long-standing pain and restore normal joint function. With advanced techniques such as robotic knee replacements, one can regain mobility, independence, and an improved quality of life. The following are some of the common advantages that patients will get when they undergo knee replacement surgery:

• Pain Relief: Perhaps the most significant advantage of this procedure is that it can help reduce or totally eliminate chronic pain in the knees. This allows the patient to walk comfortably without the pain.
• Improved Mobility: The procedure can help improve mobility in the knees. Patients can walk comfortably without any issues. Moreover, it can help increase flexibility in the knees.
• Better Quality of Life: Replacing the knees can help the patient resume his or her daily activities comfortably. It can help the patient resume his or her quality of life.
• Long-Lasting: The new knees can last for a very long time. They can function well for several years.
• Improved Joint Function: The new joint can help align the knees. Improved joint function can help the patient walk naturally. Moreover, it can help the patient achieve balance.
• Increased Independence: Replacing the knees can help the patient resume his or her daily activities independently. This can boost the patient’s morale.
• Corrected Deformity: The procedure can help straighten the knees. It can help eliminate any issues related to the alignment of the knees.
• Better Sleep: Replacing the knees can help the patient sleep comfortably. Improved sleep can help the patient recover very fast.
• Faster Return to Daily Activities: Most patients can resume their daily activities within weeks of recovery.

What are the Risks of Knee Replacement Surgery?

Every surgical procedure has some possible risks, and the common ones are discussed below:

• Headache, nausea and drowsiness because of anaesthesia
• Bleeding
• Infection
• Swelling and pain
• Blood clots in lungs and leg veins
• Respiratory problems
• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Allergic reaction
• Artery and nerve damage
• Implant failure
• Wearing out of artificial knee

An infected knee replacement requires surgery to remove the prosthetic components, and antibiotics are used to eradicate the bacteria. A new knee is then put in place.

Wearing out of the artificial knee is one of the highest risks mentioned above. The plastic parts and strongest metals get damaged while performing daily activities. This risk is higher if the patient performs high-impact activities.

How Can CARE Hospitals Help?

At CARE Hospitals, the multidisciplinary team of doctors uses minimally invasive procedures to treat knee problems. The hospital provides comprehensive diagnostic services for knee replacement surgery. The trained staff provides complete care and assistance to the patients during their recovery period. The state-of-the-art infrastructure of the hospital gives good vibes to the patients to recover fast and improve their quality of life. 
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