Anatomy of the Knee

Photo by OrthoInfo – American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS)

What is Total Knee Replacement Surgery?

Signs You May Need Knee Replacement Surgery

Considering a total knee replacement but also struggling with hip issues?

Explore our detailed article on hip replacement surgery to understand all your options for joint pain relief!

Types of Total Knee Replacement Surgery

There are several types of total knee replacement surgery, each with its own unique features and considerations. The main types of such surgery include:

• Posterior-Stabilised (PS) Total Knee Replacement: A type of implant that substitutes your posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), one of the ligaments inside your knee joint.
• Cruciate-Retaining (CR) Total Knee Replacement: An implant that preserves your PCL.
• Rotating Platform Knee: A type of implant that allows more natural rotation in your knee.
• Gender-Specific Knee: A knee implant designed to fit male and female anatomy differently.
• Minimally Invasive Total Knee Replacement: A surgical technique that requires smaller incisions and aims for faster recovery.

Ultimately, the choice between these knee replacement procedures depends on factors such as your knee condition, age, weight, activity level, and your surgeon’s experience and preferences.

To determine which option is best for you, please consult your orthopaedic surgeon to discuss the most suitable type of knee replacement surgery for your needs.

Procedure of Total Knee Replacement Surgery

Now, let’s have a look at the simplified breakdown of what happens during the surgery:

1.Preparation
You will undergo a preoperative medical evaluation to ensure you are healthy enough for the total knee replacement procedure.

Before the procedure, you will be asked to stop certain medications and complete any necessary dental work.

2.Anaesthesia
Before the surgery, you will receive either general anaesthesia (sending you to sleep) or regional anaesthesia (numbing you from the waist down), depending on which is the best option for you.

3.Incision and Exposure of Your Knee Joint
Your orthopaedic surgeon will make an incision over your knee to expose your knee joint. Then, your kneecap (patella) will be moved aside to reveal the joint.

4.Removal of the Damaged Surfaces
Your damaged cartilage and a small amount of bone will be removed from the end of your thighbone (femur) and the top of your shinbone (tibia).

5.Shaping the Bones
The ends of your three bones (kneecap, thighbone, and shinbone) will be shaped to fit the new artificial joint components.

6.Placement of Metal Implants
Metal implants will be attached to the end of the aforementioned three bones to replace the damaged parts of your knee joints.

7.Insertion of Spacers
To create a smooth gliding surface, medical-grade plastic spacers will be inserted between the metal implants.

8.Testing the Joint Movement
Your surgeon will bend and flex your knee to ensure the new components are properly aligned and functioning.

9.Closing the Incision
Once satisfied with the fit and function of the new artificial joint, your surgeon will close the incision with stitches or surgical staples.

To prevent excess body fluid like blood, pus, or other fluids from accumulating in your knee joint after the surgery, surgical drains may be placed near your surgical wound to remove those fluids.

10.Applying Dressings
A sterile bandage is applied to your wound for fast healing, infection prevention, and absorption of excess body fluids.

After the surgery, you will be transferred to a recovery room, where medical staff will closely monitor you as you wake up from anaesthesia.

Post-operative Care for Total Knee Replacement Procedure

Proper care after your total knee replacement procedure is crucial for a successful recovery and long-term outcomes.

Here’s what you can expect and how to take care of yourself after the surgery:

Hospital Stay

After the surgery, you will stay in the hospital for 1-3 days, depending on how well your recovery progresses. Within 24 hours post-surgery, a physical therapist will guide you through initial exercises and mobility training, helping you start moving your new joint.

You may also use a Continuous Passive Motion (CPM) machine to gently move your knee while you rest in bed, aiding your recovery process. Walking with a walker or crutches will also be encouraged to promote mobility.

Pain management is also a key focus during this phase, ensuring you can participate in rehabilitation exercises comfortably. This typically involves medications like acetaminophen, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or prescribed opioids to control pain.

At Home Recovery

With proper care and dedication to your recovery plan, you can continue your journey toward a smooth recovery and improved mobility following your total knee replacement procedure.

Ready to take the next step toward better knee health? Schedule a consultation with our orthopaedic surgeon today!

Long-Term Recovery of Total Knee Replacement Procedure

While the initial post-operative care focuses on healing and managing pain, the long-term recovery phase (3 months and beyond after surgery) is all about regaining strength and mobility as well as returning to everyday activities.

Here’s what you can expect during the long-term recovery process:

1. Continued Rehabilitation
   Most patients can expect significant improvements in mobility and pain relief by 3 months post-surgery.
   However, full recovery may take up to 6 months or longer, with some patients continuing to see improvements in strength and function for up to a year.
2. Lifestyle Adjustments
   To maintain your knee joint health, you are encouraged to engage in low-impact activities such as walking, cycling, or swimming.
   Also, to protect your knee, avoid crossing your legs, twisting your legs inward, or bending over to reach objects.

By staying committed to these guidelines, your knee replacement can last for many years, and you can enjoy a lasting, improved quality of life with your new knee joint.

Potential Complications of Total Knee Replacement Procedure

Total knee replacement procedure, while generally safe and effective, carries certain risks and potential complications, such as:

• Infection at the surgical site
• Blood clots, such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), where blood clots form in the veins of the legs.
• Implant failure, which involves the loosening or wearing down of the artificial joint.
• Nerve or blood vessel damage caused by injury during the surgery.
• Knee stiffness
• Chronic pain in the knee joint
• Instability of the new knee joint
• Allergic reactions to the materials used in the implant, such as metals.

Emerging Trends in Knee Replacement Surgery

Knee replacement surgery has come a long way in recent years, with advancements in technology and surgical techniques significantly improving patient outcomes.

Some of the key trends in the field include:

• Robotic-assisted surgery
• Customised implants
• Minimally invasive techniques
• Partial knee replacement
• Wearable technology and smart implants that allow the monitoring of a patient’s recovery metrics (e.g., steps taken, range of motion) post-surgery.

At Island Hospital, our Orthopaedic Centre is at the forefront of such advancements.

On April 26th, 2024, we hosted Penang’s first ROSA robotic total knee replacement surgery workshop, led by Prof. Dato’ Dr. Oh Kim Soon, our Consultant Orthopaedic and Spine Surgeon, alongside Prof. Dr. Suhail Suresh from Sunway Medical Centre.

ROSA® Knee System is a robotic surgical assistant developed by Zimmer Biomet to perform total knee replacement procedures with greater precision and accuracy.

For more information on how these innovations can benefit you, schedule a consultation with our orthopaedic professionals today!

Reclaim Your Mobility With a Total Knee Replacement Procedure at Island Hospital

In conclusion, the total knee replacement procedure stands as a beacon of hope for those suffering from severe knee pain and reduced mobility.

For those considering this transformative surgery or seeking expert care for any orthopaedic concern, Island Hospital is your premier destination.

Our team of orthopaedic professionals brings over 65 years of combined experience to every case, allowing us to tackle even the most complex spinal conditions with confidence and precision.

This commitment to excellence has led to our recognition as a finalist in Malaysia’s Flagship Medical Tourism Hospital Programme and a place on Newsweek’s lists of World’s Best Hospitals 2024 and Best Specialized Hospitals Asia Pacific 2024 (Orthopaedic).

Don’t let knee pain or any orthopaedic issue hold you back any longer. Take the first step towards reclaiming your mobility and quality of life by booking an appointment with our expert team today.

For any inquiries, please don’t hesitate to contact us!

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