Knee Replacement Surgery

What is Knee Replacement Surgery?

Knee replacement surgery, also known as knee arthroplasty, is a surgical intervention in which a damaged or worn knee joint is replaced with an artificial component (prosthesis). This type of surgery is often recommended for people who have severe wear and damage to the knee due to advanced osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. In addition, patients with serious damage to the knee as a result of irreparable cartilage or ligament injuries may also be among the candidates for this surgery. This operation can help relieve patients’ pain and increase their mobility.

What are the Knee Prosthesis Surgery Methods?

Many people experiencing knee pain may consider knee replacement surgery when they fail to find relief with medications and other treatments. The methods used in this surgery may vary depending on the patient’s condition and the location and extent of the damage to the knee. Here are some common knee replacement surgery methods:

1. Total Knee Prosthesis (TDP): This method, which is frequently preferred in advanced osteoarthritis cases, involves replacing all parts of the knee with plastic and metal implants. Most total knee replacements are effective for 10 years or more, and some can function for 20 years or more. The majority of patients who undergo surgery with this method report a significant reduction in pain in the postoperative period.
2. Partial Knee Replacement: Unlike total knee replacement, this method involves replacing only the damaged part of the knee. Partial knee prosthesis is recommended in cases where the patient has damage to only a certain part of the knee and thus offers a faster recovery process.
3. Patellofemoral Arthroplasty: In this procedure, only the kneecap and trochlear surface of the femur are replaced. This surgery requires smaller incisions and offers faster recovery. However, the lifespan of this type of prosthesis is usually limited and it is possible that the patient will need a total knee prosthesis in the future.

The surgery is usually performed under spinal or general anesthesia. During surgery, damaged parts of the knee joint are removed and replaced with a prosthesis. The tissues around the joint are also adjusted accordingly. The incisions are closed with stitches and various treatment instructions are applied to support post-operative healing.

Patients are usually given antibiotic treatment to prevent possible infections. Additionally, medication may be prescribed to prevent blood clots. In the post-surgical period, some physical therapy exercises are recommended to strengthen leg muscles and increase blood flow.

What is Minimally Invasive Partial and Total Knee Prosthesis?

Minimally invasive surgery is an approach that is performed through smaller incisions and causes less tissue damage than traditional open surgery. Minimally invasive partial or total knee replacement surgeries are ways in which this philosophy is applied to knee replacement procedures.

These types of surgeries cause less tissue damage in the knee than classical surgeries. As a result, patients often experience less postoperative pain, hospital stays may be shorter, and overall recovery times are faster. It has also been observed that the minimally invasive approach leaves less scarring with more aesthetic results.

Patients best suited for minimally invasive knee replacement generally include:

• Those with mild to moderate knee deformity.
• Those who are within the ideal weight range or slightly overweight.
• Those who do not have other serious health problems.
• Those who are willing to actively participate in post-operative rehabilitation and physical therapy processes.

This approach allows the patient to return to normal activities more quickly and improve the quality of life after surgery. However, since it is not suitable for every patient, you should discuss with your doctor whether this surgery is the best option for you.

Are You a Suitable Candidate for Knee Replacement?

To understand whether knee replacement surgery is right for you, your surgeon looks at a number of factors, from your general health to the severity of your pain to the decline in your quality of life. Knee replacement surgery may be an option if the following situations apply to you:

• If you feel unbearable pain in your daily life, even with simple movements.
• If you have limited mobility or persistent weakness in the knee.
• If you do not see improvement in your symptoms with non-surgical methods such as physical therapy and medication.
• If advanced arthritis or other disorders in your knee joint are detected as a result of radiological examinations.

Especially for patients diagnosed with advanced osteoarthritis, knee replacement surgery can be an effective solution. This type of surgery is a method used to improve the quality of life of patients, especially when there is no response to conservative treatment methods. However, as every surgery has risks, knee replacement surgery also has some risks. Therefore, if you are considering this type of surgery, you should have a thorough discussion with a specialist orthopedic surgeon to fully understand the potential advantages and risks.

What to Expect After Knee Replacement Surgery?

The experience after knee replacement surgery often depends on the complexity of the surgical procedure and the patient’s overall health. However, as an overview, here is a summary of what the post-operative process might be like:

Knee replacement surgery is usually completed within 1-2 hours. After surgery, patients usually stay in the hospital for 2-3 days. Modern pain management techniques allow patients to begin physical therapy early after surgery. Patients usually become mobile with the help of a walking aid (e.g. a cane) during their short stay in the hospital.

It may take several months to regain full strength and mobility, but most patients can eventually resume normal, non-impact physical activities, such as walking or cycling.

Your surgeon and physical therapist will design a custom rehabilitation program to maximize your recovery. Compliance with the details of this program increases the likelihood that the results of the surgery will be successful. In the first weeks, you may need to use crutches or a cane for balance and support. After 6 weeks after surgery, most people can return to their daily lives, including driving.

Your surgeon will usually schedule a follow-up appointment to check in with you 2 to 6 weeks after surgery. This appointment is important to evaluate your recovery and make early diagnosis of any complications. In the long term, regular check-ups may be recommended to monitor the performance of your artificial knee joint. Although rare, if complications occur, your artificial knee joint may need to be replaced.