Total knee replacement surgery replaces severely damaged cartilage tissue with a metal or plastic prosthesis that duplicates the function of the knee joint, according to MayoClinic.com. Patients can have this surgery at any age; however, patients requiring a total knee replacement are generally over the age of 60 and have some type of arthritis in their knees. When arthritis becomes so severe that it limits mobility and knee function, a total knee replacement is often considered.
Total Knee Replacement
A total knee replacement is performed on patients who have limited mobility of the knee because they have either rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, or knee injury. According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, 1 to 3 bones can be replaced with an implant. The lower end of the femur can be replaced so that the knee is able to flex and extend easily. The top of the tibia can be replaced, as well as the back of the patella.
Partial Knee Replacement
A partial knee replacement, also called a unicompartmental knee replacement can be done when only some of the cartilage is damaged. The surgeon makes a small incision and replaces only the damaged cartilage in the knee. According to MayoClinic.com, partial knee replacements are an option for people who have arthritis in just one part of their knees, are not obese, and who are over the age of 60 and do not have an active lifestyle.
Bilateral Knee Replacement
A bilateral knee replacement is the replacement of both knees in a patient. According to MayoClinic.com, patients who have arthritis in both knees and experience debilitating pain in both knees are good candidates for a bilateral knee replacement. Patients must not have medical conditions, such as heart disease or lung disease, and be in good health. Bilateral knee replacements are not as common as total knee replacements, but help reduce recovery time involved with two single surgeries when both knees require replacement.
Minimally Invasive Surgery
Surgeons performing minimally invasive surgery make a 3 to 4-inch incision versus an 8-inch incision when performing the traditional total knee replacement, reports the University of Washington Medicine. Surgeons replace up to three bones in the knee joint, just as they do during the total knee replacement; however, this procedure takes longer because it is more challenging. Patients generally experience a faster recovery time and decreased post-operative pain.
Recovery
After the surgery is complete, the patient remains in the hospital for 3 to 5 days, depending on the type of the surgery. A traditional total knee replacement can take 3 to 6 weeks before the patient is able to resume normal activities. A minimally invasive total knee replacement provides shorter recovery times, reports the University of Washington Medicine. According to the MayoClinic.com, patients receive physical therapy to increase muscle strength, mobility and decrease pain. After a knee replacement, the person should no longer participate in activities such as running, high impact activities and contact sports. Walking and swimming are exercises that physical therapists and doctors allow because these activities have less impact on the knee joints.
