Knee replacement surgery involves removing damaged bone and cartilage, and surgeons replace them with an artificial joint made of metal. Surgeons perform this procedure primarily to relieve severe pain that limits daily activities like walking or climbing stairs. While arthritis is on signficiant reason for this surgery, other conditions also necessitate intervention. Here is more information on the knee replacement process:
Providing Anesthesia
The medical team administers anesthesia before the procedure begins to keep you comfortable and pain-free, and a provider reviews your medical history and discusses the options with you beforehand. They typically utilize general anesthesia, which puts you to sleep, or spinal anesthesia, which numbs your body from the waist down. Spinal anesthesia blocks pain while you remain awake but relaxed.
Your safety remains the primary focus throughout this initial phase of knee replacement surgery. The team monitors your heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels continuously, and this helps prevent complications. Because everyone reacts differently to medication, the anesthesiologist adjusts the dosage precisely for your needs.
Performing Small Incision
The surgeon begins the physical procedure once the anesthesia has taken full effect. They make an incision over the front of your knee, which may help you recover faster. This specific cut exposes the joint while minimizing damage to the surrounding muscles and tissues. These factors apply:
- Incision sizes vary based on patient anatomy.
- Surgeons navigate around healthy tissue carefully.
- Retractors hold the skin open for visibility.
The goal is to gain adequate access to the damaged joint surfaces. A smaller incision typically results in less tissue trauma, but the surgeon needs enough space to work accurately. When the joint is visible, the team prepares for the next phase of the operation.
Removing Damaged Areas
The surgeon then focuses on the damaged bone and cartilage surfaces, and these are located at the ends of the femur and tibia. In some cases, they use specialized surgical instruments to cut away the damaged areas. This step prepares the bone to receive the artificial implants seamlessly.
After the damaged cartilage is gone, the surgeon reshapes the remaining bone. This reshaping is necessary because the end of the bone must match the shape of the metal implant perfectly. The new joint will not function correctly if the fit is not exact.
In some cases, the underside of the kneecap also requires resurfacing. The surgeon cuts this area, and they may place a plastic button if the cartilage there is worn out. This additional step helps the kneecap glide smoothly over the new joint.
Replacing With Implants
The surgeon attaches the metal components to the prepared bone surfaces. They cement these metal parts onto the ends of the thighbone and shinbone, and a medical-grade plastic spacer goes between the metal components to create a smooth gliding surface. This plastic spacer acts like cartilage, allowing the joint to move freely.
Schedule a Knee Replacement
A consultation allows the doctor to evaluate your condition and discuss whether surgery is right for you. While recovery takes time, many patients find relief through this established surgical procedure. A medical team supports you through each step of the scheduling process, and they help you prepare for the day of surgery. Contact a clinic today to set up your initial appointment and discuss your options.
