Knee problems can be a real hindrance to our daily lives, making the simplest tasks like walking or climbing stairs excruciatingly painful. For individuals suffering from severe knee issues, knee replacement surgery can be a viable option.
Common Reasons for Knee Replacement Surgery:
- Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis, often associated with the natural ageing process, occurs when the protective cartilage in the knee joint gradually wears away. This results in bones rubbing together, causing pain, discomfort, and reduced mobility. While it predominantly affects those over 50, it can also strike younger individuals.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: Characterized by inflammation, this type of arthritis causes pain and stiffness in the knee joint by damaging its cartilage.
- Post-Traumatic Arthritis: Resulting from substantial knee injuries, like fractures or ligament tears, this arthritis variant impacts the knee’s cartilage.
People who may require knee replacement surgery typically experience:
– Severe knee pain or stiffness that interferes with everyday activities like walking, climbing stairs, or rising from chairs.
– Persistent knee pain, even at rest.
– Chronic knee swelling and inflammation unresponsive to medication or rest.
– Visible knee deformities on the inside or outside.
– Emotional distress stemming from an inability to participate in daily or social activities.
– When non-surgical treatments have proven ineffective, surgery becomes a viable choice for relief.
Diagnosis:
– The diagnosis process involves a comprehensive examination, including a patient’s medical history and physical evaluation.
– Imaging tests like X-rays and MRI scans are often necessary to get a complete picture of the condition.
Treatment:
– Medications are employed to address both inflammatory and non-inflammatory forms of arthritis, with a focus on non-surgical therapeutic approaches.
– Exercise is pivotal in preserving overall well-being and muscle resilience, even though it may not substantially change the progression of knee arthritis.
– Surgery becomes an option when non-operative interventions fall short. Surgical options include total knee replacement, minimally-invasive partial knee replacement (mini knee), knee arthroscopy (for meniscus tears), osteotomy (for younger patients with limited arthritis), and knee fusion (rarely used).
Total Knee Replacement:
– Total knee replacement is a common and effective procedure for patients with arthritis affecting multiple knee compartments.
– It provides substantial pain relief, improved function, and a return to daily activities and recreational pursuits.
– Success rates are high, with 90-95% of replacements still functioning well over 10 years after surgery.
– The surgeon’s experience significantly influences the outcome of total knee replacement.
– Knee replacement cost in India typically falls within the range of 3 to 4 lakh rupees while partial knee replacement costs in India range from 1.5 to 2 lakh rupees.
Revision Knee Replacement:
– If a total knee replacement requires re-operation, it can often be successfully revised, although results are typically not as good as the initial replacement.
– Surgeon experience is of significance in the success of knee replacement surgery.
With the right knowledge and guidance, knee replacement surgery can offer a new lease on life for those suffering from debilitating knee conditions.