The knees are strong hinge joints that are responsible for cushioning and supporting the body. Because the knee joints support most of the body's weight, they can become worn down over the years, leading to extreme pain that can make many activities difficult. Knee replacement surgery has the ability to replace badly damaged knee joints.
Purpose
Knee replacement -- also known as total knee arthroplasty, according to the Mayo Clinic -- can be used to treat patients who have severe knee pain and limited range of motion. Knee replacement surgery can be done for patients with severe osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. It can also be used to treat a condition known as avascular necrosis, which is a disease in which blood flow to the knee becomes impaired, leading to tissue damage and death.
Indications
The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons explains that knee replacement may be recommended for patients with knee pain that prevents them from doing everyday activities (such as climbing stairs and getting in and out of chairs), or with significant knee pain while resting. It can also be used for patients who have deformities in their knees or who cannot straighten their legs. Patients who undergo knee replacement surgery typically have not been able to get adequate relief from other treatments, including pain medications and anti-inflammatory drugs.
Evaluation and Procedure
Before knee replacement is performed, patients need to undergo a full physical evaluation from an orthopedic surgeon. This includes a thorough medical history, with particular emphasis on knee pain and its effects on the patient's life. The surgeon will also take X-rays of the knee and test its strength and range of motion. Patients who receive surgery will be placed under anesthesia, and the knee joint will be replaced with a prosthetic joint composed of metal, high-grade plastics and silicon.
Risks
Medline Plus explains that there are certain inherent risks to receiving knee replacement surgery. Some patients experience complications, such as allergic reactions or cardiac problems, as a result of anesthesia. There is also a risk of infection of the surgical site as well as the development of blood clots in the legs. Arteries and nerves near the knee may also become damaged during the procedure, which can lead to weakness and loss of sensation in the lower leg. Finally, the prosthetic joint may become loose or result in one leg being slightly longer than the other.
Benefits and Recovery
The American Association of Orthopedic Surgeons explains that 90 percent of all individuals who receive knee replacement surgery find that their knee pain is dramatically reduced and that they have an improved range of motion. In order to receive the full benefits, patients need to follow a course of physical therapy to strengthen the affected leg, and avoid certain activities such as jogging, contact sports and high-intensity aerobics to avoid putting unnecessary stress on the prosthetic joint.
