If knee pain cannot be controlled with non-surgical approaches, a doctor or orthopaedic surgeon may suggest total knee replacement surgery, also called knee arthroplasty.
Discover what you need to know about total knee replacement surgery.In many cases, the decision of when to proceed with knee replacement surgery is left up to each patient and can depend upon factors such as pain levels and the extent to which pain interferes with the ability to carry out daily activities.
In total knee replacement surgery, orthopaedic surgeons remove the arthritic ends of damaged bones, where cartilage has been worn away, and replace them with a prosthesis.
Once the degenerated bone has been removed and reshaped, surgeons fit the ends of the femur (thigh bone) and tibia (shin bone) with metal prosthetic caps, often constructed of cobalt chrome. A high grade, durable plastic spacer lines the top of the shin bone component allowing for the smooth movement of the new prosthetic joint. If the patella (kneecap) is also degenerated, a plastic piece may be placed onto the back of the kneecap.
In order to attach the artificial knee joint securely onto the reshaped bone, the parts of the prosthesis can be cemented, uncemented or a hybrid, which is a combination of the two. An uncemented procedure relies to a large extent on the body’s natural ability to regrow bone to hold the prosthesis in place. In a hybrid procedure, the femoral part of the prosthesis is cemented onto the bone, while parts that cover the tibia and patella are inserted without cement. The incision area is usually closed with either staples or stitches.
The operation, which usually takes between 1 to 2 hours, is conducted under either regional or general anaesthesia, based on the surgeon’s recommendations, and can be performed on only one knee or both knees at the same time.
Although patients can expect less pain and improved mobility after total knee replacement surgery, there are risks involved. Serious complications, although rare, can include infection, blood clots, kneecap dislocation or fracture as well as problems with healing.
Discuss recommendations for surgical procedures and the associated risks and benefits with your orthopaedic surgeon.
Do you own a small business in Canada? The medical cost for your knee care is an eligible business deduction through a Health Spending Account.
