Like all surgeries, knee replacements are typically only advised when all other conservative (non-invasive) treatment options have failed to relieve symptoms. Osteoarthritis, other types of arthritis, ligament injuries, tendinitis, and bursitis can all cause damage to the knee joint. This damage can cause knee pain, which can be managed in a variety of ways. Some non-surgical options for treating knee pain include:
- Weight loss
- Anti-inflammatory drugs
- Glucosamine and chondroitin supplementation
- Exercise and physical therapy
- Viscosupplementation
- Corticosteroids
- Extracorporeal shock wave therapy
The inside (medial), outside (lateral), and front (patellar) compartments of the knee joint house the kneecap. The painful, damaged bearing surfaces in your knee are replaced with a total knee replacement. The top end of the tibia (shin bone) is similarly trimmed to receive a metal tray, and the lower end of the femur (thigh bone) is trimmed to receive a specially shaped metal component. A plastic bearing will be installed into this tray.
A non-compartmental (partial) knee replacement may be necessary if only one compartment develops arthritis and the cartilage in the other compartments is normal and healthy.
Individuals who have damage limited to a single area of the knee that can be resurfaced without endangering the surrounding healthy bone and tissue may want to think about partial knee resurfacing.
An osteotomy or arthroscopy may be a better option than a total knee replacement for patients with meniscal tears or other non-bony orthopedic knee problems, or for knees that have not yet reached that stage.
During a knee arthroscopy, two or three tiny incisions are made on the front of the knee, allowing the surgeon to view inside the knee joint, repair torn ligaments, and remove damaged parts. During a knee osteotomy, the surgeon will either remove or add a wedge of bone to the bottom of your femur (thigh bone) or the top of your tibia (shinbone). This gives the weight-bearing portion of the joint a less worn-out area of articular cartilage.
For people who have arthritis damage in just one area of their knee, an osteotomy is usually advised. A knee that has arthritis on only one side may bow outward (varus deformity) or inward (valgus deformity). A wedge of bone can be added or removed to remedy this.
For More Information Contact: Dr. Vivek Logani
