The knee is the biggest joint in the human body, and adequate use of this joint is necessary for most activities. If arthritis or injuries damage this joint, pain and impaired functioning of the knee may result. Sometimes, changing lifestyle factors like reducing activity level or taking pain medications may alleviate the pain, but in more severe cases, surgery may be necessary. Knee replacement surgery can help repair damaged and disfigured knee joints and restore mobility.
Total Knee Replacement
A total knee replacement, or TKR, is also known as knee arthroplasty. According to the Mayo Clinic, this procedure is one of the most successful elective surgeries. This procedure involves putting in a metal or plastic prosthetic joint to replace damaged cartilage. It is safe for patients of all ages, although younger patients may wear out their prostheses sooner than elderly patients because they have more demanding lifestyles. The Mayo Clinic states that up to 90 percent of individuals who undergo total knee replacement have pain relief and improved mobility up to 15 years after the operation.
Unicompartmental Knee Replacement
The Mayo Clinic states that approximately 7,500 individuals undergo unicompartmental knee replacement, also called partial knee replacement, each year in the United States. This procedure involves replacing only one part of a knee that has become arthritic. In a knee, there are three compartments, according to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. The three parts are the medial, or inner part; the lateral, or outer compartment; and the patellofemoral compartment, or the kneecap. If only the medial or the lateral parts are damaged, a unicompartmental knee replacement can be done. This operation is best for patients who are not very active, because the replacement may not be able to hold up under high amounts of stress. The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons states that only about six to eight patients out of 100 are good candidates for this surgery.
Bilateral Knee Replacement
In a bilateral knee replacement, both knees are operated on at the same time. This is a less common surgery and is typically only done if both knees cause significant pain and if severe arthritis in both knees is apparent on x-rays. Individuals undergoing this surgery need to be healthy and have no other medical problems, including heart or lung disease, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Minimally Invasive Knee Replacement
Minimally invasive knee replacement is still a relatively new procedure, which uses smaller incisions and different techniques to expose the knee joint. Candidates for this type of surgery are not obese and have retained a fair amount of mobility with very little deformity of the knee joint. Contraindications include prior major surgeries on the knees and individuals with knee deformities like bowlegged knees, according to the Mayo Clinic. Advantages of this operation may be shorter rehabilitation periods and less time in the hospital after surgery.
