Knee arthroplasty, or knee replacement surgery, is a procedure designed to relieve pain and restore function in a damaged knee joint. This treatment replaces the diseased or damaged portions of the knee with artificial implants to mimic natural movement.

Conditions Treated by Knee Arthroplasty

• Osteoarthritis: Progressive wear and tear of knee cartilage.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis: Chronic inflammation causing joint damage.
• Post-Traumatic Arthritis: Arthritis resulting from injury.
• Severe Knee Deformities: Alignment issues like bowed legs or knock knees.
• Unmanageable Pain: Cases unresponsive to medication, injections, or physical therapy.

Procedure Overview

1. Preoperative Phase

• Medical Assessment: Imaging tests (X-rays, MRI) to determine joint damage.
• Patient Preparation: Instructions on fasting, stopping specific medications, and arranging for post-surgery support.
• Anesthesia Planning: General anesthesia or spinal block with sedation is selected based on patient health.

2. Surgery Process

• Incision and Exposure: A vertical incision is made to access the knee joint.
• Bone Preparation: Damaged cartilage and bone are removed from the femur, tibia, and sometimes the patella.
• Implantation:
  • Femoral Component: Metal cap placed on the femur.
  • Tibial Component: Metal and plastic tray fixed to the tibia.
  • Patellar Component: Plastic button attached to the kneecap, if needed.
• Fixation:
  • Cemented: Components secured with bone cement.
  • Cementless: Designed for natural bone growth fixation.
• Closure: The incision is closed with sutures or staples, and a sterile dressing is applied.

3. Postoperative Care

• Pain management with medications.
• Monitoring for complications like infections or blood clots.
• Early mobilization guided by physical therapy.

Rehabilitation and Recovery

• Physical Therapy: Exercises to regain mobility, strength, and flexibility.
• Assistive Devices: Walkers or crutches during initial recovery.
• Timeline:
  • 6–8 weeks for daily activities.
  • Full recovery within 3–6 months.