Total knee replacement is a common and effective solution for severe knee pain and disability. It restores a person’s ability to perform daily activities such as walking and climbing stairs. Depending on the extent of knee damage, these surgeries can range from partial replacements to full replacements, making early diagnosis and appropriate treatment crucial.
In this guide,Dr. Brian Kelly, an esteemed orthopedic specialist, shares essential insights into the surgery and recovery process for total knee replacement. This comprehensive information helps patients understand the treatments available to relieve pain and restore function, enabling them to confidently return to their daily activities with a new, healthier knee.
What Is Total Knee Replacement?
Total knee replacement, also known as total knee arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure where the damaged cartilage and bone of the knee joint are removed and replaced with metal and plastic parts. This procedure aims to relieve pain and restore function in severely damaged knee joints. The artificial joint mimics the movement of a healthy knee, allowing patients to resume normal activities with significantly less pain.
Difference Between Total and Partial Knee Replacement
- Total Knee Replacement: Involves replacing the entire knee joint, including the thigh bone, shin bone, and the patellar component. This is typically recommended for patients with widespread damage to the knee joint due to severe arthritis or injury.
- Partial Knee Replacement: Only the damaged part of the knee is replaced. This procedure is suitable for patients with damage confined to one part of the knee. Partial knee replacement often results in a quicker recovery and retains more of the patient's natural knee.
Common Reasons for Knee Replacement Surgery
- Severe Arthritis: Both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can cause significant pain and damage to the knee joint, leading to the need for knee replacement surgery.
- Knee Injury: Damage from a knee injury, such as a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) or other torn ligaments, can necessitate knee replacement if nonsurgical treatments fail.
- Chronic Knee Pain: Persistent knee pain that interferes with daily activities like walking, climbing stairs, and standing up from a seated position, especially when other treatments have not provided relief.
- Decreased Knee Function: Limited range of motion and knee instability due to damaged cartilage, bone spurs, or other knee joint issues can make knee replacement surgery a viable option.
Who Qualifies For Total Knee Replacement Surgery?
While every case is individualized based on factors like medical history, the use of other prior methods of correction, and health conditions, there are a few symptoms that those who seek knee replacements have in common:
- Persistent Knee Pain: Severe pain that continues despite taking pain medications or other treatments. This pain can interfere with sleep and everyday activities such as walking or climbing stairs.
- Limited Mobility: Difficulty in bending or straightening the knee, leading to a limited range of motion. This can make tasks like getting in and out of chairs or cars challenging.
- Swelling and Inflammation: Chronic swelling in the knee that does not improve with rest or medications.
- Knee Deformity: Visible changes in the shape of the knee, such as bowing in or out, which can indicate significant joint damage.
Conditions That Total Knee Replacements Can Treat
- Osteoarthritis: The most common reason for knee replacement surgery, osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease where the cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones wears down over time. This leads to bones rubbing against each other, causing pain and stiffness.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: An autoimmune disease where the body's immune system attacks the synovial membrane, leading to inflammation, pain, and eventual destruction of the joint. Rheumatoid arthritis can cause significant joint damage, making knee replacement surgery necessary.
- Knee Injuries: Injuries such as torn ligaments (including the anterior cruciate ligament), fractures, or meniscal tears can severely damage the knee joint. When non-surgical treatments fail to provide relief, knee replacement surgery may be recommended.
- Chronic Inflammation: Continuous inflammation from rheumatoid arthritis can damage the cartilage and bones of the knee joint, leading to severe pain and loss of function. In these cases, knee replacement surgery can help relieve pain and restore mobility.
Potential Risks and Complications
While there are certainly ways to minimize the risk of complications during a total knee replacement surgery, that doesn't mean that those risks don't exist. This is why it's so important to have the procedure conducted by a qualified orthopedic surgeon like Dr. Kelly. The two most common complications experienced by patients are:
- Infection: Although rare, infections can occur at the incision site or deep within the joint. Signs of infection include redness, swelling, warmth, and discharge from the incision. Severe infections may require additional surgery and antibiotics.
- Blood Clots: Blood clots can form in the veins of the leg (deep vein thrombosis) after knee replacement surgery. These clots can travel to the lungs (pulmonary embolism), which is a serious condition. Symptoms of blood clots include swelling, pain, and redness in the leg.
When to Contact Your Doctor Regarding Complication Symptoms
- Signs of Infection: If you notice increased redness, swelling, warmth, or discharge at the incision site, or if you develop a fever, contact your doctor immediately.
- Unusual Pain or Swelling: Persistent or severe pain, swelling in the leg, or sudden difficulty in breathing can indicate complications like blood clots and should be reported to your doctor without delay.
- Decreased Mobility: If you experience a significant decrease in knee mobility or stiffness that does not improve with physical therapy, consult your doctor.
- Other Concerning Symptoms: Any other unusual or concerning symptoms, such as numbness, weakness, or instability in the knee, should be promptly discussed with your healthcare provider.
Have You Considered All Alternatives To Total Knee Replacement Surgery?
The last factor to consider before pursuing a total knee replacement is whether you and your doctor have fully considered alternative procedures and methods of eliminating continued pain.
Below are some of the most common alternative methods of treating knee-related injuries and chronic pain. Ensure that you examine each of these thoroughly before moving forward with your knee replacement surgery.
Physical Therapy
A physical therapist can design a tailored exercise program to strengthen the muscles around the knee, improve flexibility, and increase your range of motion. Regular physical activity can reduce pain and enhance knee function. Techniques such as massage and joint mobilization can also help reduce pain and improve knee mobility.
Over the Counter Pain Medications
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and naproxen can help reduce inflammation and relieve pain. You can also try Acetaminophen, which can help manage pain without the anti-inflammatory effects. It is suitable for patients who cannot take NSAIDs due to stomach or other health issues.
Other Potential Treatments
- Corticosteroid Injections: Corticosteroids injected into the knee joint can temporarily relieve pain and reduce inflammation. They are typically used for short-term relief.
- Hyaluronic Acid Injections: This treatment involves injecting hyaluronic acid into the knee joint to improve lubrication and reduce pain. It is often used for patients with osteoarthritis.
- Bracing: Knee braces can help support the knee joint, reduce pain, and improve function by redistributing weight away from the damaged part of the knee.
- Assistive Devices: Using a cane, walker, or crutches can help reduce the load on the knee joint and improve mobility.
Schedule Your Total Knee Replacement Today
Total knee replacement is a serious yet common procedure that can significantly enhance your quality of life. Whether you're experiencing the early signs of severe knee pain or dealing with chronic knee issues, it's important to seek professional medical advice.
Consult with an experienced orthopedic specialist like Dr. Brian Kelly, who specializes in total knee replacement surgery. Regain your knee strength and mobility with expert care tailored to your specific needs, and take the first step towards a pain-free, active lifestyle.
Dr. Brian Kelly, MD, is an orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine doctor experienced in treating various injuries and conditions. He and his expert team will ensure you get the treatment you need to get back in the game. Schedule an appointment at Dr. Brian Kelly's office today.
