Knee replacement surgery – procedure, types, and risks

What is knee replacement surgery?

Knee replacement surgery, also known as knee arthroplasty or total knee replacement, replaces the worn-out knee joint (bone and cartilage) with artificial implant which mimics the normal knee joint. A total knee replacement revives the knee's function, removes pain, and restores the patient's quality of life.

The damage to the joint could be due to several reasons, such as arthritis, a severe sports-related injury, an injury due to an accident, or too much pressure on the joint if the patient is above a specific weight limit. If the joint is damaged, walking with ease and doing simple activities like climbing stairs, getting up from chairs, or even driving is challenging. You may also experience stiffness, pain, and instability.

Doctors (orthopedic surgeons) usually suggest knee replacement surgery or total knee replacement if other forms of treatment—like physical therapy, anti-inflammatory drugs, weight loss, and limiting joint exertion—are not bringing the desired results. Your doctor may also propose knee replacement surgery for other reasons.

Types of knee replacement surgeries

There are different types of knee replacement surgeries besides total knee replacement. They are:

• Partial knee replacement is when only a part of the knee is resurfaced with metal or plastic. This procedure is also called unicompartmental knee replacement. 
• Kneecap replacement is performed if only the under-surface of the kneecap and its groove are damaged.
• Complex or revision knee replacement, as the name suggests, is done when there is a need for a second or third knee replacement surgery. 

Advantages of knee replacement surgery

Knee replacement surgery has various advantages, like:

• Relief from pain
• Increased mobility
• Enhanced quality of life with daily tasks and exercise becoming easier to perform.

Disadvantages and risks of knee replacement surgery

Knee replacement surgery may have several drawbacks, such as replacement joints wearing out, mobility problems, and numbness. Some of the risks and disadvantages are:

• Blood clots can form following any surgery and trigger life-threatening infections.
• Infection at the incision site; however, to reduce this risk, antibiotics are usually given to patients before and after surgery.
• Microplastic fragments from the prosthetic knee can cause osteolysis, an infection, and damage to the bone.
• Periodic pain flare-ups or discomfort may be experienced after surgery.
• Scar tissue might grow over the knee post-surgery causing stiffness.
• Replacement knee may become loose over time or not work as it should, which may require another surgery.
• Nerve damage is possible because there may be injury at the implant's site. 

Opulent™ Total Knee System from Meril

Meril Life offers Opulent™ Total Knee System for total knee replacement, consisting of separately packed femoral, tibial, and patellar components intended to restore the knee joint's natural articular surface. The femoral component is a metal implant (cobalt chromium) with a biocompatible titanium niobium nitride (TiNbN) coating. The tibial component can be entirely polyethylene or made up of a metal (cobalt chromium) tibial tray (tibial base plate) with TiNbN coating and a polyethylene insert (tibial articular surface) with locking components. The patella component is made entirely of polyethylene.

Final note

Knee replacement gives most people relief from pain, greater mobility, and a higher quality of life. Knee implants are durable that last up to 15 to 20 years.

During your recovery, you can engage in low-impact activities such as walking, swimming, or biking. However, high-impact activities such as jogging, contact sports, or jumping should be avoided. Speak to your doctor about ways to stay active following a knee replacement.