Knee Osteoarthritis: When to Consider Surgery

Osteoarthritis, generally known as arthritis, is a type of arthritis that affects the cartilage of the bone joints. It starts ending the protective cushioning cartilage as a result joint pain occurs. Osteoarthritis, especially knee osteoarthritis, is strong enough that it can damage the knee joints. But thankfully damaged knee joints are treatable with surgery.

Regarding this, we discussed with a skilled Orthopedic Surgeon in Delhi at Simpain Ortho that when surgery is required. Simpain Ortho is a well-furnished orthopedic center fully occupied with all medical amenities, joint pain relief, and replacement. Let’s start with learning about knee osteoarthritis. 

What is Knee Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis of the knee is a medical condition due to which cartilage of the knee joints starts ending. As a result, friction between endpoints of the bones starts and pain the bone-on-bone contact creates. It leads to pain, stiffness, and swelling around the knee area. Although osteoarthritis treatment is unavailable at present with the help of cartilage replacement one can get rid of the severely painful and stiff knee. 

Cartilage/ Knee Replacement

Cartilage replacement usually known as knee replacement is a surgical treatment of knee osteoarthritis. In this treatment, damaged cartilage of the knee is replaced with man-made cartilage. This artificial cartilage, usually made of synthetic material, especially hydrogels or polymers, has the property to blend with the muscles and bones of the leg and work as natural cushioning of knee joints.  

Benefits of Knee Replacement for Osteoarthritis

Knee replacement offers various benefits in osteoarthritis. Some of them are as follows:

  1. Relief from chronic knee pain.
  2. Provide adequate mobility so that the knee can move without pain.
  3. One can move without taking the support of a walking stick or any other property.
  4. The removal of pain improves the quality of life.
  5. One can enjoy a healthier life.

Even though knee replacement offers a wide range of benefits, before considering this treatment, consultation with an orthopedic doctor is a must.   

Right Time to visit an Orthopaedic Doctor for Osteoarthritis Surgery

One down with any of the below-mentioned conditions can visit an orthopedic specialist:

  • There is severe pain in the knee joints
  • If the knee is unable to move 
  • When knee pain is at a certain joint or limb
  • If the knee joint gets damaged during sports or in an accident
  • Abnormalities of the knee by birth.
  • Knee dislocation
  • Discomfort and stiffness in the joints, particularly while waking or during idle time
  • Numbness or tingling in the limbs
  • Infections of the bones and joints

Types of Knee Replacement Surgeries

Orthopedician will examine the knee joint condition and the doctor may provide mentioned knee replacement surgeries.

Total Knee Replacement

  1. Total Knee Replacement is a surgical procedure that involves replacing the damaged section of the knee joint, typically the cartilage, with a synthetic knee joint composed of a metal alloy and medical-grade plastic. 
  2. The surgery can be prescribed when medication, hot and cold compressions, knee injections, and the use of braces for an extended period, still the persistent knee pain, stiffness, swelling, and limited mobility at the knee joint have not been resolved.  
  3. Nevertheless, the ultimate determination should be made in collaboration with a qualified orthopedic surgeon. 
  4. Typically, in stages 1 and 2, patients receive treatment involving rest, analgesics, physiotherapy, thermal therapy, knee braces, and occasionally intra-articular injections. 

Partial Knee Replacement

  1. It is a less intrusive alternative to complete knee replacement.  The procedure often involves the replacement of a damaged section or compartment of the knee joint with a combination of metallic alloys and medical-grade plastic. 
  2. An individual with a single segment or compartment of a compromised knee joint necessitates a partial knee replacement.   
  3. Despite undergoing physiotherapy, medication, prolonged use of hot and cold compresses, knee injections, and the use of braces for an extended period, the persistent knee pain, stiffness, edema, and limited range of motion at the knee joint have not been alleviated such patients are optimal candidates for partial knee replacement. 
  4. A partial knee replacement is performed when arthritis of the knee affects only one compartment or a specific area of the knee joint. However, the final determination must be made in collaboration with the surgeon.   

Note: A partial knee replacement is not recommended under the conditions described below: 

  • Intense knee rigidity 
  • Knee with significant angular deformity
  • Knee joint infection 
  • Inflammation of the joints 

Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Repair

  1. The MPFL is a ligament that connects the patella (knee cap) to the femur (thigh bone). The Patella, often known as the knee cap, is stabilized by a substantial soft tissue complex.   Patellar dislocation and tear of the medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) can occur as a consequence of a direct impact on the knee joint. This can result in persistent instability of the patella. 
  2. MPFL reconstruction surgery involves the creation of a fresh medial patellofemoral ligament to provide support and prevent further injury to the knee.   
  3. Locate a surgeon specializing in MPFL reconstruction. As a therapeutic option, it is highly beneficial for individuals who have experienced one or several dislocations.   

To know more about osteoarthritis or successful Knee Replacement you are advised to consider visiting the best orthopaedic clinic like Simpain Ortho in the heart of India. The expert orthopedic surgeons at the center are known for offering advanced Knee Replacement Surgery in Delhi. So, to avail the benefits visit the centre now!