Dr. Sanjay Barik
Knee & Shoulder Surgeon
Dr. Sanjay Barik
Knee & Shoulder Surgeon
What is knee replacement surgery, and how does it work?
Knee replacement surgery entails the removal of damaged portions of the knee joint and replacing them with artificial implants.
It is commonly employed to address severe knee arthritis, where the cartilage has deteriorated, leading to pain, stiffness, instability, and altered body alignment. Additionally, individuals with weakened knee joints from injuries or other conditions may also find relief through this procedure.
What is the procedure for a total knee replacement?
The orthopedic surgeon begins the procedure by making an incision in the knee and shifting the patella (kneecap) to the side. If bone spurs (small bony growths) are present, they are removed, a common occurrence in osteoarthritis cases.
Next, the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and, in some instances, the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) are detached from the femur and tibia. The PCL is retained in certain types of knee replacements.
During the main part of the procedure, the surgeon removes cartilage and some bone from the upper part of the tibia and the lower part of the femur. The femoral condyles, which are two knobby protuberances on the femur, are also removed. Metal implants are then used to cap the tibia and femur, creating new joint surfaces. The surface of the femoral component is shaped to resemble the original femoral condyles. If the underside of the kneecap has deteriorated, it may be removed and replaced with a polyethylene implant.
Finally, dissolvable sutures are used to close the various layers of tissue, and the skin incision is closed with sutures or surgical staples. The patient is then taken to recovery with a bandage placed over the knee.
Partial Knee Replacement
Knee replacement (also known as partial or unicondylar knee replacement), only one part of the knee joint is replaced. This contrasts with total knee replacement, where both the inner and outer parts of the damaged bones are replaced with metal implants. While damaged bone and cartilage often need replacement, in some cases where the disease is confined to a specific area of the knee, a total replacement may not be necessary.
Partial knee replacement involves a smaller incision, allowing patients to spend less time in recovery and return to normal activities more quickly compared to total knee replacement. However, the decision between partial and total knee replacement is case-specific. There are various treatments available for knee osteoarthritis, and it is essential to consult a doctor to determine whether a complete or partial knee replacement surgery is appropriate for your situation.
Total Knee Replacement
A total knee replacement surgery, also known as knee arthroplasty or knee resurfacing, involves replacing only the surface of the knee joint. During the procedure, the damaged areas of the upper and lower bones are carefully removed. These removed sections of cartilage and bone are then replaced with metal implants that replicate the surface of the joint. Depending on the surgical necessity, the patella may also be resurfaced. Finally, a medical-grade plastic spacer is inserted between the metal components to ensure smooth gliding, completing the procedure.
Post-operatively, patients are encouraged to stand and walk with the assistance of a walker within 24 hours of the surgery. The following five days are dedicated to physical therapy. By the time of discharge, patients should be able to use the restroom and sit on a commode independently with the help of a walker, climb stairs, and manage most of their daily routine activities.
What are the components of knee replacement implants?
Each patient’s selection of design and materials for a knee replacement prosthesis is unique. Major implant components are made from metal, typically titanium or chrome-cobalt alloys. These implants can be either cemented in place or osseointegrated, the latter involving a porous metal stem that extends into the tibia, allowing the patient’s natural bone to grow into it. A plastic platform or spacer, made of polyethylene, is inserted between the tibial and femoral implant surfaces.
Most femoral components are constructed from metal alloys such as cobalt-chromium or metal-ceramic alloys like oxidized zirconium. The patellar component is made of polyethylene plastic, and similarly, the tibial implant is made of polyethylene. The tibial tray component can be made from the following materials:
- Titanium
- Cobalt-chromium (metal alloy) (metal alloy)
- Polyethylene terephthalate (plastic)
After a knee replacement, how long does it take to walk?
Within two or three days after surgery, most patients begin using a straight cane, walker, or crutches. As the days progress, they will increase the distance and frequency of their walks.
Typically, patients can drive a car within three to six weeks post-surgery and resume all other normal activities by or before that time. Full recovery, including regaining full strength and mobility, can take up to four months. However, in many cases, patients are more mobile one month after their knee replacement than they were before the surgery.
Dr. Sanjay Barik Leading Orthopaedic in Nagpur
Ready to get back into sports faster & stronger?
Follow These Simple Steps
Cost Calculator
STEP 1 : WHATSAPP YOUR MRI AT 7507306684
STEP 2 : GET FREE ONLINE CONSULTATION
STEP 3 : FIX APPOINTMENT & MEET DR SANJAY BARIK
STEP 4 : CONFIRM THE DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT PLAN
STEP 5 : GET ACL REPAIR
STEP 6 : GET BACK TO SPORTS AND RUNNING IN 3 MONTHS
OUR VISIT LOCATION
SURGICAL EXPERTISE
Dr Sanjay Barik - Sports Injury, Arthroscopy & ACL EXPERT | Orthopedic Surgeon : Nagpur
