4 Knee Surgery Facts All Potential Patients Need to Know

Today we are going to have a quick look at 4 different kinds of knee surgery, what they entail and who might need them. By the end of this guide, you will be better able to assess whether or not you need a knee replacement, you will know which kind and you will understand what that means for your knee joints.

So, let’s take a look at total, partial, revision, and bilateral knee replacement operations and unpick what each of these surgeries involves. If you suffer from knee pain, discomfort, stiffness, loss of mobility, or swelling, one of these surgeries may be necessary for you. These routine operations can revitalize a patient’s life and reinstate their restricted freedom and ability to live a normal life.

What Is A Total Knee Replacement?

This procedure, also known as arthroplasty, involves replacing the entire damaged knee joint with artificial parts. A patient will require a total knee replacement when the joint is severely damaged due to arthritis or injury and cannot be cured through non-surgical means.

Total knee replacement surgery involves the removal of the damaged end of the thigh bone, also known as the femur, and the shinbone, or the tibia. These are replaced with factory-made implants. Sometimes, when needed, the back of the kneecap, also called the patella, is also replaced. If you are considering knee replacement surgery in Australia, reach out and get a consultation to see if you are in need of one. If you have experienced stiffness, reduced mobility, or severe knee pain, you might need this routine surgery.

What Is A Partial Knee Replacement?

If only a part of your knee joint is damaged due to injury or disease, it might be possible to have just a partial replacement. The knee joint is made up of three compartments, and this surgery is possible if only one of these compartments is damaged. For this reason, it is known as a uni-compartmental knee replacement surgery.

During this operation, a knee specialist will replace either the inside compartment, known as the medial compartment, the outside or lateral compartment, or the compartment behind the kneecap, also called the patellofemoral. Cartilage and ligaments are left untouched as they are needed to support the knee.

What Is A Revision Knee Replacement?

Regardless of whether you have had a total or partial knee replacement, you need to be aware that all knee replacements have a finite lifespan and at some point, you might experience the return of some discomfort and pain. This will likely be due to normal wear and tear over the years.

If you notice swelling, pain, reduced mobility, or stiffness, your doctor may recommend that you go into surgery to have your knee replacement revised.

This is the process of replacing the existing knee replacement pieces. In more serious cases, you may also require a bone graft to build up the damaged knee. Patients who are extremely active or overweight are more likely to require a revision knee replacement procedure at some stage after their initial knee replacement operation.

What Is A Bilateral Knee Replacement?

If you suffer from degenerative arthritis in both knees, or for whatever other reason you find yourself suffering significant pain and discomfort in both knees, you might be advised by a doctor to undergo bilateral knee replacement surgery.

Simultaneous, or bilateral knee surgery, is when both knee joints are replaced in the same operation. This surgery can be performed in one sitting or in staged operations with a break in between, depending on the severity of the case and the individual needs of the patient. Either procedure on either knee can involve total knee replacement or partial knee replacement.

As with the other knee replacement surgeries mentioned above, this procedure aims to increase a person’s quality of life and reduce pain and discomfort. These surgeries are recommended when non-surgical options are not working.

This has been a brief guide to understanding 4 kinds of knee surgery and the procedures they entail. From how these surgeries are performed to who is eligible, you should now be aware of total, partial, revision, and bilateral knee replacements and know which, if any, might apply to you.

If you are suffering from significant pain and discomfort in your knees which reduces the quality of your life and your ability to move and do what you want to do then you might be the ideal candidate for a routine knee replacement surgery. Reach out to experts today to discuss your needs. Thank you for reading, and good luck!