Causes of Knee Pain Leading to Replacement Surgery

Osteoarthritis: The most common cause of knee pain requiring replacement is osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease. As the protective cartilage breaks down, the bones underneath begin to rub together causing pain, swelling, and stiffness. Advanced osteoarthritis is the primary reason individuals opt for knee replacement surgery.

Rheumatoid Arthritis: Around 10-15% of knee replacements are performed due to severe rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease that causes swelling and pain in the joints. Over many years of active disease, rheumatoid arthritis can cause extensive and irreversible damage to knee joints necessitating replacement.

Injury or Trauma: Past injuries like torn knee ligaments or cartilage, dislocated or fractured knees that have healed improperly can lead to the development of severe knee joint arthritis in the long-run. For these individuals, replacement surgery becomes the ultimate treatment.

Workings
In a total knee replacement surgery, the surgeon removes the damaged bone and cartilage and replaces it with prosthetic parts. These include plastic spacers to recreate the cartilage, a metal alloy base plate attached to the thigh bone, and a metal alloy condyle that replaces the bottom of the shin bone. Occasionally, only part of the knee is replaced which is known as a partial or unicondylar knee replacement.

The surgery is done under general or regional anesthesia and takes 1-3 hours depending on each individual case. Small incisions are made on the front of the knee. The acetabulum or socket is first prepared using special bone-cutting tools and guides. Then prosthetic components matching the bone geometry are implanted using bone cement. The new parts allow smooth gliding of the knee joint and reduce pain.

Post-Surgery Recovery Process

Patients are allowed to start slowly putting weight on the replaced knee soon after surgery with the aid of crutches or a walker. Over a period of weeks, patients work to regain their full range of motion and strength. Physiotherapy sessions help patients resume everyday activities.

Pain medication and ice therapy can help provide relief during healing. Patients are advised on knee exercises and activity restrictions during the initial stages of recovery. Most people can return to low-impact activities within a few months and resume heavier activities by 6-12 months barring any complications. Success rates are excellent for replacements with longevity of implants lasting 15-20 years on an average.

Potential Risks and Complications of Knee Replacement

As with any major surgery, there are risks of developing complications after replacement:

Blood Clots: The risk of blood clots forming in the legs or lungs is higher post-surgery. Preventive medication and early mobilization help reduce this risk.

Infection: A superficial infection at the incision site can usually be treated with antibiotics but deeper infections may require implant removal and re-placement.

Stiffness: Not following post-op rehabilitation instructions can lead to prolonged stiffness of the replaced knee joint. Gentle range-of-motion exercises under guidance can help regain mobility.

Loosening: Over years, the prosthesis components may loosen and separate from bone requiring surgical removal and re-implantation (revision surgery). Younger patients are at higher risk of early loosening.

Fractures: The bone can fracture during or after surgery, usually due to osteoporosis. Cautious handling of bone during surgery helps prevent this complication.

Lifetime Success: For majority of elderly replacement recipients, the procedures provide excellent pain relief and mobility for 10-15 years on an average before implant replacement may be needed again. Younger and more active individuals are likely to need revision surgery earlier. But overall, replacement is a very successful treatment for end-stage joint arthritis.

With proper selection of patients, expert surgical technique, appropriate rehabilitation, and lifestyle/activity modifications as advised by the surgeon, knee replacements can give back mobility and quality of life for years. Complications are usually manageable when recognized on time. For many, the benefits far outweigh the risks.

About Author:

Ravina Pandya, Content Writer, has a strong foothold in the market research industry. She specializes in writing well-researched articles from different industries, including food and beverages, information and technology, healthcare, chemical and materials, etc. (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ravina-pandya-1a3984191)