The knee is an important joint in your body that allows you to walk. The knee is actually the largest joint in your body and its most susceptible to trauma, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS). Unfortunately, if this occurs you may tear your ligaments (fibrous tissue that connects one part of your bone to another). You can also damage your joint surfaces, cartilage and bones. There are specific surgeries used to treat knee injuries.
Knee Arthroscopy
Knee arthroscopic refers to a surgical procedure in which a small incision is made in your knee under anesthesia, according to the AAOS. First, your surgeon will put a clear sterile solution into your knee to clean the knee of any material that may cloud the surgical site. He will then insert an arthroscopic device (special surgical instrument) into your knee. This arthroscope contains a camera and an image of your knee will be projected onto a monitor. With a live image of your knee, your doctor can use a scalpel or lasers to remove or repair torn ligaments, cartilage, bones or inflamed synovial tissue. The AAOS says that this surgery can last 45 minutes to one-and-a-half hours. Infection, chills, swelling, inflammation and knee pain are some complications of knee arthroscopy.
Partial Knee Replacement
According to the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, partial knee replacement refers to a procedure in which your surgeon replaces either the inner or outer part of your joint. Typically, a partial knee replacement is performed when you have knee arthritis. Your surgeon will make a cut over your knee so that cartilage is exposed. Then, the upper portion of the tibia (bone that connects the ankle to the knee) and bottom portion of your femur (bone that connects your hip to your knee) are flattened to make room for the partial knee replacement. This surgery typically takes one-and- a-half hours. Complications include infection, trouble moving your knee, swelling and pain.
Total Knee Replacement
A total knee replacement is considered when you have severe knee arthritis or injury. In this procedure your doctor will make a knee incision and remove damaged cartilage and bone. He will then replace your knee with metal. There are three components in a knee replacement: the tibial component, the femural component and a patellar (knee) component. This surgery lasts for two hours and its complications are the same as a partial knee replacement.
