Knee replacement procedures, also known as knee arthroplasty, are surgical interventions performed to relieve pain and restore function in severely damaged knee joints. This surgical procedure involves replacing damaged or diseased parts of the knee joint with artificial materials called prosthetics or implants. Knee replacements are typically recommended for individuals suffering from advanced osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or severe knee injury.

Total Knee Replacement (TKR):

  • In a total knee replacement surgery, the entire knee joint is replaced with prosthetic components made of metal, plastic, or ceramic materials.
  • The procedure involves removing damaged cartilage and bone from the femur (thigh bone), tibia (shin bone), and sometimes the patella (kneecap), and replacing them with artificial components.
  • The prosthetic components are typically anchored to the bone using specialized bone cement or through press-fit techniques that encourage bone growth into the implant surface for stability.

Partial Knee Replacement (PKR):

  • A partial knee replacement surgery is performed when only one compartment of the knee joint is damaged, usually either the medial (inner) or lateral (outer) compartment.
  • In PKR, only the damaged portion of the knee joint is replaced with prosthetic components, leaving the healthy portions intact.
  • This procedure is associated with smaller incisions, less bone removal, and potentially quicker recovery compared to total knee replacement.

Kneecap Replacement (Patellofemoral Arthroplasty):

  • In some cases where the damage is isolated to the kneecap and the groove at the end of the thigh bone (patellofemoral joint), a patellofemoral arthroplasty may be performed.
  • This procedure involves resurfacing the underside of the patella and the corresponding area of the femur with prosthetic components.

Create Your Own Website With Webador