How is Knee Replacement Surgery Done?

1. How is Knee Replacement Surgery Done? Knee replacement also referred to as knee arthroplasty or total knee replacement, is a surgical procedure intended to resurface an arthritic knee. Metal and plastic components are used to cap the ends of the bones that constitute the knee joint and the kneecap. Patients with severe osteoarthritis or knee injuries may be recommended for this surgery. Numerous types of arthritis can affect knee joints. Knee cartilage and nearby bone may deteriorate as a result of osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint condition that primarily affects middle-aged and older people. Rheumatoid arthritis, which causes synovial membrane inflammation and excessive synovial fluid, can cause discomfort and stiffness. Knee cartilage may be damaged by traumatic arthritis, which is arthritis caused by an injury. The main objectives of knee replacement surgery are to resurface the damaged sections of the knee joint and relieve knee pain that other treatments cannot manage. Anatomical study of the knee Joints are the intersections of two or more bones. The vast majority of joints are movable, allowing bones to move. The knee is composed of two long leg bones that are kept together by muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Each bone end is coated with a layer of shock-absorbing cartilage that protects the knee. The quadriceps muscles (placed on the front of the thighs) are responsible for straightening the legs, while the hamstring muscles (positioned on the back of the thighs) are responsible for bending the leg at the knee. Tough cords of connective tissue and tendons connect muscles to bones. Ligaments are elastic bands of connective tissue that join bones together. Some ligaments of the knee provide stability and protection for the joints, while others restrict forward and backward motion of the tibia (shin bone). The following components make up the knee: • Tibia. This is the shin bone, the largest bone in the lower leg. • Femur. This is the femur or upper leg bone. • Patella. The kneecap is this.

2. • Cartilage. Tissue that covers the surface of the bone at a joint. Cartilage contributes to the reduction of joint friction. • Synovial membrane. The joint capsule is the tissue that lines the joint and seals it within the joint. In order to lubricate the joint, the synovial membrane secretes a clear, viscous synovial fluid. • Ligament. A sort of dense, elastic connective tissue that surrounds the joint to provide support and restrict motion. • Tendon. A type of dense connective tissue that connects muscles to bones and aids in the control of joint mobility. • Meniscus. A cartilage component in the knees and other joints acts as a shock absorber, improves contact area, and deepens the knee joint. The procedure’s motives Replacement of the knee joint is a treatment for knee pain and impairment. Osteoarthritis is the ailment that most frequently necessitates knee replacement surgery. The degeneration of joint cartilage characterizes osteoarthritis. Damage to cartilage and bones can limit mobility and cause discomfort. People with severe degenerative joint disease may be unable to engage in regular knee-bending activities, such as walking or climbing stairs, since they are painful. The knee may expand or “give way if the joint is not stable.” Other types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis and arthritis caused by knee injuries, may also result in knee joint deterioration. Moreover, fractures, cartilage tears, and/or ligament tears may cause irreparable damage to the knee joint. If non-surgical therapy is ineffective, knee replacement surgery may be a viable option. Following are examples of medical therapies for degenerative joint disease: • Anti-inflammatory pharmaceuticals • Chondroitin and Glucosamine Sulfate • Analgesic drugs • Restriction of painful activities • Walkers and other walking aids (such as a cane) • Therapeutic exercise

3. • Knee-joint injections of cortisone • Viscosupplementation injections (to add lubrication into the joint to make joint movement less painful) Loss of weight (for obese people) Your physician may propose knee replacement surgery for additional reasons.