Knee Replacement Surgery
Knee replacement surgery is a surgical
procedure in which a damaged or diseased knee joint is replaced with an
artificial implant or prosthesis. This procedure is typically performed to
relieve severe pain and improve function in patients with advanced
osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or other degenerative conditions of the
knee joint.
During knee replacement surgery, the damaged cartilage and bone in the knee
joint are removed and replaced with prosthetic components made of metal,
plastic, or ceramic materials. The prosthetic components mimic the shape and
function of a natural knee joint, allowing for smoother movement and reduced
pain.
There are different types of knee replacement surgeries, including:
Total knee replacement (TKR): In TKR, both sides of the knee joint are replaced
with prosthetic components, including the femoral (thigh bone), tibial (shin
bone), and patellar (kneecap) components.
Partial knee replacement (PKR): In PKR, only one side of the knee joint is
replaced, typically either the medial (inner) or lateral (outer) compartment of
the knee. This procedure is suitable for patients with localized arthritis or
damage in one part of the knee joint.
Complex or revision knee replacement: In cases where previous knee replacement
implants have failed or become damaged, complex or revision knee replacement
surgery may be necessary to replace or revise the existing implants.