Knee replacement surgery is designed to decrease pain and increase the quality of life for people who have arthritis, the cause of most knee replacements. Arthritis causes deformities to the knee bones that limit the function of the knee and cause pain. Knee replacements have a good medical track record. They have been performed for over 30 years with a 10-year success rate of over 90 percent, according to the University of Washington School of Medicine. There are three types of knee replacements: minimally invasive, partial, and total.
Minimally Invasive
The minimally invasive knee replacement is the newest of the techniques for knee replacement. It's an option to consider when the arthritis affects only one side of the knee. The surgery involves a 3- to 3.5-inch incision that results in less damage to the knee muscles and tendons than the other types of knee replacement surgeries. It is usually considered for patients older than 40. Other advantages are a decrease in postoperative pain, a shorter time in the hospital and a shorter rehabilitation period. The implants used are made of a strong metal or a durable plastic and are attached to the upper and lower leg bones.
Partial
Like the minimally invasive knee replacement, the partial knee replacement is considered when only one side, or compartment, of the knee is damaged by arthritis. Its use is rather limited, as only six to eight of 100 patients are considered good candidates for this surgery, according to the University of Connecticut Health Center. A partial knee replacement is best suited for slim, older people who have a sedentary lifestyle--not younger active people. A partial knee replacement cannot withstand a high amount of activity. The hardware is inserted through a 3- to 4-inch incision that does not affect the main muscle that controls the knee. Hospitalization is shorter and rehabilitation faster than for total replacement.
Total
A total knee replacement involves a 7- to 8-inch incision through which the damaged parts of the knee are removed and metal and plastic joint surfaces are implanted. Three components are used. The femoral component, the part attached to the thigh bone, is made of a polished strong metal. The patellar component, the kneecap part, is made of a durable plastic. The tibial component is attached to the lower leg bone. It is also made of plastic and is often held in a metal tray. The hospital stay for a total knee replacement can last up to five days. The recovery period lasts from one to three months, during which the person walks with a cane or a walker.
