What is a knee replacement surgery? It is when a surgeon performs a procedure (arthroplasty of the knee) to replace a partial or full bad knee part(s). People who have knees damaged by injuries or arthritis, may find it difficult to perform everyday tasks such as climbing stairs, walking or sitting. Doctors often recommend knee replacement surgery to these patients when traditional treatments such as medication and physical therapy no longer control knee pain.

Arthritis is the most common cause of knee pain. Rheumatoid arthritis causes inflammation in the knee joint that result in severe knee pain and stiffness. Osteoarthritis is most often associated with aging. This condition occurs over time, causing a loss of cartilage in the knee that results in pain. Severe knee pain may also be the result of an old injury, which damages the cartilage in the knee joint.

There are two types of knee replacement surgeries that one can have: a total replacement or a partial one. A total knee replacement requires the surgeon to first remove the damaged knee joint. Once the damaged portion of the knee is gone, the surgeon places the new artificial knee joint in the correct position. The implants are typically held in place with special cement. Once the implants are in place, the surgeon must resurface the patella if necessary. This is done to ensure a correct fit. Plastic spacers are placed in between the new metal knee joints to ensure the new knee joints glide smoothly. A partial knee replacement is performed only when a small portion of the knee joint is damaged. During this procedure, the healthy part of the knee is not removed and replaced. While not all patients are candidates for a partial knee replacement, those who are may experience a quicker recovery time than those who undergo a total replacement. Patients who have a partial knee replacement may also experience less pain after surgery. However, there are some downsides to having a partial knee replacement instead of a total knee replacement. Some people may experience continued pain after a partial replacement and some will eventually go on to have a total knee replacement if pain develops in the portion of the knee that was not replaced.

Most total knee replacements are performed on patients 50 to 80 years of age. However, there are certain instances when this procedure is recommended for younger people. Those who suffer from juvenile rheumatoid arthritis and those who suffer severe knee injuries may require a total knee replacement earlier in life. Most people recover well from this surgery but there are some complications to be aware of that could occur during or after surgery. Infection can occur in the wound or around the hardware placed inside the knee joint. Most people respond to antibiotics, but a severe infection deep inside the knee could require additional surgery.
Also knee implants could possibly loosen over time, causing a reduction in the range-of-motion in the knee joint. And it is possible to continue to experience pain after a total knee replacement, although most people report reduced pain. Blood clots are the most dangerous side effect from a knee surgery. These clots often form in the leg and could be potentially life threatening if the clot travels to the lungs resulting in a pulmonary embolism. However, many orthopedic surgeons prescribe a series of exercises to be performed after surgery to reduce the likelihood of blood clots. Compression stockings could also be helpful in reducing clot formation. And blood thinning medications such as warfarin, may also be used by patients to keep clots from forming.

Total knee surgery is usually covered by most types of health insurance when listed as medically necessary. Most insurance companies also cover physical therapy (check your medical coverage) after a knee replacement surgery. Exercise is one of the most important parts of knee replacement recovery. Patients are encouraged to walk soon after surgery and resume household chores as soon as possible. It is important to avoid stairs for several weeks after the surgery to reduce the risk of falling. Crutches or a walker may be necessary until strength and flexibility improve in the knee joint. Most people find that their pain level is dramatically decreased and their range-of-motion is greatly increased after having a knee replacement surgery. Studies show that it is not uncommon for patients to expect their new knee to last well up to 20 years or more.

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It is not the intention of this site to provide specific medical advice but rather to provide users with information to better understand their health and their diagnosed disorders. Specific medical advice will not be provided. We urge you to consult with a qualified physician for diagnosis and for answers to your personal questions.