Knee replacement surgery is a surgical procedure in which the damaged parts of the knee joint are removed and replaced with a high-quality artificial implant. This operation is typically recommended for patients suffering from severe knee pain due to arthritis or cartilage degeneration, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis, which restricts their ability to move and perform daily activities.
This surgery aims to significantly relieve pain, improve joint function, and restore the ability to walk and move normally. During the procedure, the surgeon removes the damaged surfaces of the knee joint and replaces them with metal and plastic components. After the operation, the patient requires an intensive physical therapy program for complete recovery and restoration of muscle strength and flexibility in the knee.
When is knee replacement surgery performed?
Severe persistent pain and knee swelling
Severe inflammation in the knee joint
Failure of other treatments
Difficulty with movement and daily activities
Impact on quality of life
Rheumatoid arthritis
Types of Knee Replacement Surgeries?
Open Knee Replacement Surgery: A surgical procedure in which the damaged parts of the knee joint are removed and replaced through a large incision in the knee to place the implant, resulting in a long recovery period for patients undergoing knee replacement surgery.
This surgery has a high success rate of up to 95%, helping most patients return to their daily activities with less pain and better mobility. However, like any major surgery, it carries some risks such as infection and blood clots, so the benefits and risks should be discussed with the doctor before making a decision.
Minimally Invasive Knee Replacement: A modern technique that aims to achieve the same results as traditional surgery but through a smaller surgical incision. This technique preserves the muscles and tendons surrounding the knee as much as possible by working between them rather than cutting through them, which reduces tissue damage and accelerates the recovery process.
This surgery requires high skill and experience from the surgeon, as they work through a limited field of vision using specialized and precise surgical instruments. Among the most important advantages of this procedure are reduced postoperative pain, less blood loss, shorter hospital stay, and the ability to return to daily activities faster compared to open surgery. Most patients can walk on the same day of surgery or the next day and require a shorter rehabilitation period to achieve full knee mobility.
Robot-Assisted Knee Replacement Surgery:
This advanced technique uses a robotic-assisted system to achieve superior precision in positioning the artificial joint, representing a significant leap in orthopedic surgery. The robotic system creates a three-dimensional model of the patient’s knee before surgery using CT scans, allowing surgeons to precisely plan each component’s position and angle to suit the patient’s unique anatomy.
During the operation, the robot acts as an assistive tool for the surgeon, helping them execute the surgical plan with millimeter precision. The surgeon controls the robotic arm, which limits its movement within the pre-planned area, preventing errors in bone cutting or implant placement. This ensures perfect alignment of the new joint and optimal positioning for long-term function.
The benefits of this technique prove substantial and measurable. Improved ligament balance around the knee enhances stability and natural movement patterns throughout recovery. Reduced damage to healthy tissue minimizes trauma and accelerates healing after surgery. The artificial joint’s projected lifespan increases significantly due to installation precision and optimal alignment.
When is knee replacement surgery recommended?
Knee replacement surgery is recommended when there are severe arthritis and chronic pain that does not respond to treatment, reduced mobility that affects daily activities such as walking or climbing stairs, rheumatoid arthritis, or severe knee injuries that cause permanent damage. In such cases listed above, it is advisable to use anti-inflammatory medications and physical therapy, use crutches or braces, cortisone injections, or weight loss. Age may be over 50 years, and your sleep and health are affected by pain.
When is Knee Replacement Surgery NOT Recommended?
Presence of inflammation or infection in the knee or anywhere else in the body, which must be treated first before considering surgery
Severe weakness in blood circulation to the affected leg may prevent proper wound healing
Unstable heart or lung diseases, or uncontrolled chronic diseases
Severe obesity increases surgical risks and reduces the lifespan of the artificial joint
Conditions such as paralysis or severe muscle weakness that affect the ability to use the joint after surgery
For very young and active patients, it may be preferable to postpone surgery because the artificial joint has a limited lifespan
If conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medications, cortisone injections, or weight loss have not been tried or are insufficient
If the patient expects that the surgery will not achieve any results
Inability to commit to rehabilitation, as surgery requires strong commitment to physical therapy after the operation
If the pain is still tolerable and does not significantly affect daily life
The Objective of Knee Replacement Surgery
Knee replacement surgery is performed to relieve severe pain, improve mobility, and restore the ability to perform daily tasks in patients suffering from advanced joint damage, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis, often due to arthritis or chronic injuries. Doctors usually recommend knee replacement surgery after the failure of other treatments and physical therapy. During the procedure, the damaged parts of the bones and cartilage are removed and replaced with high-quality artificial components. This surgery helps restore joint function and enables the patient to perform daily activities normally without pain. The ultimate goal is to improve the patient’s quality of life and return them to an active and independent lifestyle
Post-Operative Care for Knee Replacement
Using a local cooling device to reduce swelling and inflammation in the knee.
Beginning physical therapy on the same day of surgery or the following day, where the therapist helps the patient sit, stand, and take simple steps using a walker or crutches.
The wound must be kept clean and dry, and monitored for any signs of infection such as severe redness, discharge, or fever, with stitches needing to be removed after approximately two weeks.
Using prescribed medications and ice to reduce swelling, and to prevent dangerous blood clots, the patient is given anticoagulant medications and advised to wear compression stockings and move the feet regularly.
Regular follow-up with the surgeon is necessary to ensure the artificial joint is functioning properly.
After knee replacement surgery, the patient is advised to take rest periods to reduce swelling and improve blood circulation. This helps relieve pressure and allows tissues to heal, achieving the best recovery results and reducing pain and inflammation naturally and effectively.
How to Reduce Risks After Orthopedic Surgery
Choosing the right surgeon: Ensure you select a skilled orthopedic surgeon with extensive experience and high competence in surgeries.
Adhering to preoperative instructions: Follow all medical guidelines, including stopping certain medications when necessary.
Using assistive devices during movement: Relying on crutches or a walker and walking with support reduces the risk of falling.