Getting a Knee Replacement Surgery
What you need to know about getting a knee replacement surgery
Over the last 25 years, major advancements in artificial knee replacement have greatly improved the outcome of
surgery. Having a painful knee could interfere with your life in various ways, and artificial knee replacement
surgery is thus becoming more and more common as the population of the world begins to age.
Why get a knee joint replacement?
Conditions that result in degeneration of the knee joint may necessitate surgery. Osteoarthritis is the most common
cause for patients who have knee replacement surgery and may occur without any previous injury to the knee. Some
people may have a genetic propensity that increases their chances of developing osteoarthritis.
What causes degeneration of the knee in osteoarthritis is the cartilage on the surface of the bone inside the joint
wearing away over time. Once the slick protective surface of the cartilage is worn away, bone rubs against bone
without any protection, which is usually painful.
Torn cartilage, fractures of the knee, and torn ligaments can cause the knee joint to function abnormally. This
abnormal function can lead to excessive wear on the joint many years after the injury.
Symptoms
The symptoms of a degenerative knee joint usually begin as pain during walking or during activities that bear
weight down on the knee. Limping is a common symptom. The knee might swell and fill with fluid, and the range of
motion will be limited. The knee might bend stiffly and lose its ability to straighten out. The pain will often get
worse as time passes, keeping patients up at night.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of a degenerative knee requires a complete history and physical examination by your surgeon.
Sometimes, X-rays are required to determine the how bad your knee joint has become and may help suggest a cause for
the degeneration.
Medical Treatment
Keep in mind that not all degenerative knee conditions require a knee replacement as a first treatment. Your doctor
may suggest several alternative treatments to put off replacing the knee as long as possible, such as walking on a
cane and talking anti-inflammatory medications.
Surgery
Unfortunately, most degenerative problems will eventually require replacement of the painful knee with an
artificial knee joint. The decision to undergo surgery ultimately lies in your hands, although you can also get
helpful feedback from your doctor, family, and friends.
When you decide to get the surgery, it is important to arrange for a pre-operative visit that will prepare you for
surgery. You’ll begin practicing some of the exercises you will use right after surgery. You will also be trained
in how to use a walker or crutches. Lastly, an assessment will be made of any special needs you will have once you
return home.
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