Our knees are essential for walking and running. However, they are also susceptible to overuse, especially if you are physically active. Overuse can result in the deterioration of your knees, leading to pain that keeps you from living your best life.
One way to treat this is knee damage is through a procedure known as knee replacement surgery. While replacing your knee sounds scary, learning more about the treatment can help alleviate your doubts and fears.
Why Would You Need Your Knee Replaced?
Because of the knees’ range of motion and load-bearing abilities, they may suffer from wear and tear or other injuries. Your knee can also develop different forms of arthritis, such as osteoarthritis.
When your knee suffers from injury or deterioration, you may experience severe pain that can limit mobility. This can hinder you from performing any task effectively and can slow you down. It is especially bothersome when the pain interferes with your sleep.
People suffering from these problems are often eligible for knee replacement surgery. It usually is performed in people aged 60 or older, but also affects younger people who live an active lifestyle.
Your orthopedic surgeon will typically explore less-invasive treatment options before recommending knee replacement. Surgery becomes viable when these alternatives prove ineffective at treating your knee.
What Happens During the Procedure?
Before the surgery, you will remove your clothes and change into a gown.
An anesthesiologist will give you one of two types of anesthesia; general or regional. General anesthesia will put you to sleep, while regional anesthesia will only numb a specific portion of your body.
On the operating table, your surgeon will bend your knee in a way that exposes all of its surfaces. They will then clean it before making an incision. This incision can range from 6 to 8 inches long.
Your surgeon will then move your kneecap to the side to remove the damaged parts of your joint. They will measure and resurface the ends of your bones in preparation for the replacement. Afterward, they will attach the artificial joint or prosthesis.
Once the prosthesis is attached, your orthopedic surgeon will test your new knee by bending and rotating it. When everything is in working order, the incision is closed with stitches or surgical staples.
There is more than one type of knee replacement surgery. These procedures differ in the parts of the knee your surgeon replaces and how large the incisions are.
Total Knee Replacement
The knee has three sections: medial, lateral, and anterior.
The medial section of your knee is closest to the opposite knee. The lateral portion is the part of the knee aligned with the sides of your body. The anterior section of the knee refers to the front and center, under your kneecap.
Your surgeon will replace these three sections in a total knee replacement procedure.
Partial Knee Replacement
During a partial knee replacement, your surgeon will only replace one of the previously mentioned sections.
Patients undergo partial knee replacement when only one portion of the knee needs to be replaced. Partial knee replacement is also less invasive and leads to a faster recovery.
Minimally Invasive Knee Replacement
This type of knee replacement surgery is similar to traditional total knee replacement. The difference lies in the size of the incision made during the surgery.
Your surgeon makes a 6 to 8-inch cut during a total knee replacement. The incision is only 3 to 6 inches long in a minimally invasive knee replacement.
Because of the smaller incision, the post-surgical hospital stay is shorter. Other advantages include an easier recovery and a smaller, less-obvious scar.
Knee Replacement In Johnson County, KS
A knee replacement is a significant endeavor that can treat many knee conditions. This treatment is capable of relieving pain and restoring your movement in the process. However, the operation is one of many potential treatments for knee disorders, and you will need help determining the best one.
Do you need a knee replacement in Kansas City? Our board-certified orthopedic surgeons can give you the best care at Midwest Orthopaedics. We have successfully performed numerous knee replacement procedures over the years. Additionally, our providers are experts in replacement surgeries for your hips and shoulders. You will receive high-quality, patient-centered care for your knee if you seek our services.
If you want to schedule a consultation or ask more questions, call our friendly staff at (913) 362-8317. You can also fill out our convenient request form to book an appointment with the best orthopedic surgeon near you.
We look forward to helping you get back in stride!
