Learn about Knee Arthroplasty and how it restores joint function. Discover the clinical definitions of Knee replacement and Knee Prosthesis Surgery at Liv Hospital.
Send us all your questions or requests, and our expert team will assist you.
Overview and Definition
Knee Arthroplasty, commonly referred to as Knee replacement, is an orthopedic surgical procedure performed to resurface a knee joint damaged by arthritis or injury. The primary objective is to relieve debilitating pain and correct limb deformity, such as “bow-legs” or “knock-knees.” During the procedure, the damaged bone and cartilage from the femur, tibia, and patella are removed and replaced with an artificial joint made of metal alloys and high-grade polymers.
A total knee arthroplasty involves the replacement of all three compartments of the knee joint. This is the definitive solution for patients with widespread joint destruction. In modern orthopedics, Knee Prosthesis Surgery has become one of the most successful operations, with high patient satisfaction rates. At Liv Hospital, we combine surgical expertise with advanced materials to ensure that the new joint mimics the natural biomechanics of the human knee, allowing for a return to a pain-free, active lifestyle.
Injury and Causes
The most frequent reason for requiring Knee Arthroplasty is the progressive loss of articular cartilage, known as osteoarthritis. As this “shock absorber” wears away, the bones begin to rub directly against each other. This creates an “injury” of chronic friction, leading to the formation of bone spurs, joint swelling, and a significant loss of range of motion.
Severe physical trauma, such as a complex fracture involving the joint surface, often leads to “post-traumatic arthritis” later in life, necessitating a Knee replacement. Additionally, inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis can cause the body’s own defenses to attack the joint lining, destroying the cartilage. Regardless of the trigger, once the joint’s structural integrity is compromised, a total knee arthroplasty is required to restore the mechanical axis of the leg.
Diagnosis and Imaging
Before proceeding with Knee Arthroplasty, a specialist at Liv Hospital performs a detailed clinical exam. We evaluate your limb alignment, stability, and muscle strength. We also look for “flexion contractures,” where the knee can no longer be fully straightened, a common complication of advanced arthritis that is addressed during the Knee Replacement Surgery Procedure.
While X-rays are the primary tool to show “joint space narrowing,” we often utilize advanced Total Knee Arthroplasty Techniques that involve 3D imaging. CT scans or MRIs are used to create a digital map of your knee. This data allows our surgeons to perform “virtual surgery,” selecting the exact size of the Knee Prosthesis Surgery components and their precise orientation to ensure perfect balance and alignment.
Treatment and Recovery
During the operation, the surgeon resurfaces the ends of the femur and tibia. The metal components are either “press-fit” or secured with bone cement. A medical-grade plastic spacer is inserted between the metal parts to facilitate smooth movement. Modern Total Knee Arthroplasty Techniques prioritize minimizing tissue trauma to speed up the initial recovery phase.
Recovery from Knee Arthroplasty begins almost immediately. At Liv Hospital, we encourage patients to stand and walk with assistance within hours of the Knee replacement.
Rehabilitation Tips
The success of your Knee Arthroplasty depends heavily on your dedication to physical therapy. The goal is to strengthen the quadriceps and hamstrings to support the new joint and prevent stiffness. Following your prescribed home exercise program is the most critical part of achieving a successful Knee replacement.
Liv Hospital is a center of excellence for Knee Arthroplasty. Our orthopedic surgeons are experts in the latest Total Knee Arthroplasty Techniques, including robotic-assisted and patient-specific instrumentation. We provide a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach that takes you from advanced 3D diagnosis to specialized rehabilitation. Our goal is to provide a durable, high-performing knee that allows you to return to the life you love. We encourage you to reach out and call Liv Hospital to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward a pain-free future.
Send us all your questions or requests, and our expert team will assist you.
There is no specific age that is considered best. Recommendations for surgery are based on a patient’s pain and disability, not their age. Most patients who undergo total knee replacement are between 50 and 80, but surgeons evaluate patients individually.
Modern knee implants are very durable. Studies indicate that more than 90 percent of modern total knee replacements are still functioning well 15 years after the surgery. With proper care and avoiding high-impact activities, they can last even longer.
Most patients do not feel the implant itself. However, some people may notice a clicking sound when the knee is bent or straightened. The clicking noise is the sound of the metal and plastic parts touching and is generally normal and not painful.
You will be under anesthesia during the surgery and will not feel pain. After the surgery, you will experience pain as you heal, but your care team will provide medication and techniques to manage this pain and keep you comfortable.
You can return to many low-impact activities such as walking, swimming, golfing, or biking. High-impact activities like running, jogging, or jumping sports are generally discouraged, as they can put too much stress on the artificial joint and cause it to wear out faster.
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