Orthopaedics

All You Need to Know About Knee Replacement and Knee Resurfacing by Dr. Gagan Deep Gupta

Dr. Gagan Deep Gupta Apr 18, 2024

Total Knee Replacement is a surgery to replace a damaged knee joint with an artificial joint. It is ideally advised to those experiencing pain, stiffness in joints, instability or loss of function that interferes with their daily routine and activities. Total Knee Replacement is usually opted by those suffering from osteoarthritis or those above 60 years of age owing to wear and tear of the joint cartilage. Over a period of time, a new concept of Knee Resurfacing has also emerged in Orthopaedics.

Total Knee Replacement & Knee Resurfacing

Total Knee Replacement involves removal of the worn-out diseased cartilage of the bone above and below the knee, and replacing the damaged cartilage of the bone with metallic implants. Knee Resurfacing can be total or partial depending on the severity of the damage to the knee cartilage.

As both the surgeries are the same technically, only the name has gradually shifted from knee replacement to knee resurfacing as the former is a misnomer.

When to consider surgery

The most common reason for those opting Knee Replacement Surgery is to alleviate the pain caused by arthritis. Usually patients take pain killers to heal their knee pain. However, a decline in physical activity restricts mobility and further exacerbates the painful condition. Surgery is advised when the knee pain is frequent and unbearable. Further, age and obesity don’t affect the line of treatment if a patient is found to be medically fit.

The procedure

With advanced techniques, Total Knee Replacement (TKR) Surgery is now an almost painless surgery. The new stitch-less procedure not only serves as a cosmetic purpose, but also increases strength and protection to the incision thereby preventing the patient from a surgical site infection.

Post-surgery care

Following a TKR Surgery, patients should exercise caution while walking due to the risk of fall or loss of implant. One should avoid sitting on stools, chairs etc. that are too low. The role of a physiotherapist is also paramount to bring the required range of motion and to tone the thigh and calf muscle. A daily physiotherapy session for 2-3 weeks can accelerate the process of recovery, but it should be strictly monitored. Squatting or sitting crossed-legged on the floor should be avoided as there are chances of loosening of implants.