Author Archives: Dr. Rachit Sheth

Do your knees ache when you walk upstairs, or even when you sit or lie down? If they do, you may be thinking about treatment options and wondering if you should get your knees replaced.

Knee replacement surgery is a common surgery and is also called knee arthroplasty. Also surgery is the last option for many patients. In most cases your orthopedic surgeon will try more conservative treatment (means no surgery) options before recommending a knee replacement surgery.

Here we have mentioned a few aspects that might be a reason that your doctor may suggest you a knee replacement surgery.

The pain is not getting better and it has been a long lasting

In spite of all the physical therapies, medications, injections, if your pain is not getting any better, then you should consider a knee replacement surgery.

Arthritis is interfering with your daily life

If your daily routines like walking, going to work and even sleeping is being interfered, it may be the sign that you need a knee replacement surgery.

Knees are swollen and stiff

Total knee replacement surgery removes much of the damaged, inflamed tissue inside your knee that causes swelling and stiffness.

Knee hurts when you rest

Most knee pain gets worse when you are doing some activities like walking or exercising. But if your knee hurts even when you are resting, it his highly recommended to have a knee replacement surgery.

You leg structure bows in or out

During knee replacement surgery, orthopedic surgeon replaces damaged portion with artificial joint. This corrects your leg if they bow in or out.

You want long-lasting relief

90% of the patients with a knee replacement surgery, experience a significant reduction in pain and an increased range of movements.

Wrapping Up…

All of these above mentioned issues can reduce a person’s quality of life and have a negative impact on their emotional and physical well-being. Continued use of your damaged knee joint will likely lead to further deterioration and damage if not treated on time.

The people who have early knee replacement surgery may have a better chance of knee functioning more effectively in the months and years ahead.

Minimally Invasive Total Knee Replacement

Total knee replacement (also called knee arthroplasty) is a common orthopaedic procedure that is used to replace the damaged or worn surfaces of the knee. Replacing these surfaces with an implant or “prosthesis” will relieve pain and increase mobility, allowing you to return to your normal, everyday activities.

Unlike traditional total knee replacement, the minimally invasive technique is not suitable for all patients. Your orthopaedic surgeon will discuss the different surgical options with you.

What’s the difference?

Traditional Knee Replacement

To perform a traditional knee replacement, the surgeon makes an 8- to 10-inch vertical incision over the front of the knee to expose the joint. The surgeon will then:

• Prepare the bone. The damaged cartilage surfaces at the ends of the femur and tibia are removed along with a small amount of underlying bone.
• Position the metal implants. The removed cartilage and bone is replaced with metal components that recreate the surface of the joint.
• Resurface the patella. The undersurface of the patella (kneecap) is cut and resurfaced with a plastic button. Some surgeons do not resurface the patella, depending on the case.
• Insert a spacer. A plastic spacer is inserted between the metal components to create a smooth gliding surface.

Minimally Invasive Knee Replacement

In minimally invasive knee replacement, the surgical procedure is similar, but there is less cutting of the tissue surrounding the knee. The artificial implants used are the same as those used for traditional knee replacement. However, specially designed surgical instruments are used to prepare the femur and tibia and to place the implants properly.

Minimally invasive knee replacement is performed through a shorter incision—typically 4 to 6 inches versus 8 to 10 inches for traditional knee replacement. A smaller incision allows for less tissue disturbance.

Wrapping Up…

Minimally invasive knee replacement is an evolving area and more research is needed on the long-term function and durability.

The benefits of minimally invasive knee replacement have been reported to include less damage to soft tissues, leading to a quicker, less painful recovery and more rapid return to normal activities. Current evidence suggests that the long-term benefits of minimally invasive surgery do not differ from those of knee replacement performed with the traditional approach.