You hear all good things about the knee replacement surgery nowadays.

It changes lives. The surgery makes it possible for a person having trouble in climbing stairs to run a sprint. Once undergone the procedure, the pain in the knee joint is history.

Yes, the procedure is indeed capable of doing that. Every year hundreds of thousands of surgeries are performed across the world.

Countless lives improve as a result of the surgery, and each instance brings the patient and the surgeon great joy!

There have been several research projects conducted worldwide to compare the results of knee replacement surgery with non-surgical therapies.

And the surgery has been found better at relieving pains and improving the functionality of the knee joints in patients having severe osteoarthritis.

Who is the candidate for knee replacement?

How does the knee surgeon decide you are a candidate for the surgery? Well, the frustrating, chronic knee pain is the common symptom. It prevents one from remaining active and doing the daily chores.

 

When the pain becomes unbearable, the activities get restricted, and the mechanical damage is no longer acceptable; it is high time your surgeon should decide about the surgery.

Having said it, the surgeon doesn’t decide about it lightly. The total knee replacement may be a routine procedure for an orthopedic surgeon; it is not for the patient.

Hence, a series of diagnostic tests are performed to assess the feasibility. Once the doctors are convinced about it, the patient is informed about the surgery schedule.

What happens in knee replacement surgery  ?

Though the procedure is quite complicated, in a nutshell, the surgeon trims and chamfers the worn-out cartilage cap. The cap is replaced with a metallic one.

Once the wound heals, the patient is supposed to undergo post-operative exercise and physiotherapy treatment.

The replacement lasts around 15 to 20 years on an average. However, modern materials have improved wear properties. Therefore, the life of these prostheses is years beyond that.

Does it mean that knee replacement surgery is always the best choice for all? Well, it isn’t. The doctor has to get convinced about its suitability.

However, if found suitable, it is the best surgical method to gain the mobility and activity level back to normal.

Partial knee replacement, the ‘lighter’ alternative!

Knee replacement surgery preserves the knee joint, and it helps to repair the mechanical balance of the join forces. It avoids a concentrated load.

When the problem is limited in a particular part of the knee, there is no need to replace the entire knee. In such a case, the patient is the right candidate for a partial knee replacement.

The partial surgery is a little delicate. Hence, it is done with the help of robotics. The guided surgery is accurate, and it brings many benefits.

·        It preserves the key ligaments.

·       It contributed to optimal functionality and balance of the knee joint

However, the longevity of this procedure is not comparable to the total knee replacement. Usually, it requires to be repeated after five to seven years of active use.

The pros of knee replacement surgery

·        In the list of top benefits achieved by knee replacement surgery, pain management is the number one. Most of the pain go away and whatever remains can be easily managed.

·       The implants last around 15 to 20 years which is quite a long time. A person undergoing knee replacement surgery at the age of 60 can expect to have an active life till the age of 75 to 80. After that, a revision or redo procedure may be required, which is not as complicated as the surgery is.

·       You live life once again. The replacement procedure brings back the activity level almost normal.

The cons

Skipping the downside of it will be unfair. Like every other surgery, there are a few limitations that one shouldn’t ignore.

·       Patient involvement makes a big difference.  The more committed the patient for recovery, the better are the results. It requires preparation before the surgery and follow-up after the surgery.

·       The benefits can be retained only if the person maintains a healthy weight and follows the physical therapy routine strictly.

·       The failure rate in younger patients is higher than in older patients. It is because of higher activity levels and longer life expectancy.

Conclusion

Osteoarthritis not only limits the activity level but hampers the confidence level as well. Modern knee replacement procedures come out as the ideal solution for everyone.

Based on the severity of the problem and other suitability factors, the surgeon chooses the appropriate treatment.

Whether you undergo the total knee replacement or a partial one, the benefits achieved are tremendous. The pain vanishes completely. The person can engage in all the activities that he was able to before the problem erupted.