Knee Replacement Surgery
Arthritis is inflammation of the joints. A gradual wearing away of the tissue on the ends of bones results in reduction of joint space and friction at the exposed bone surfaces, changing regular bone movement and causing severe pain. Knee Replacement Surgery is the best solution to treat the condition and allow resumption of normal activities in the knee.
The types of arthritis are:
Osteoarthritis
This occurs after the age of 50 in individuals with a family history of arthritis. The tissue that cushions the bones of the knee softens and wears away. The bones then rub against one another, causing knee pain and stiffness.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
This is a disease in which the inner membrane of joints is thickened and inflamed. This results in excessive production of the fluid that lubricates these joints. This chronic inflammation can damage the tissue covering the ends of the bones and eventually result in loss of the tissue, pain and stiffness.
Traumatic Arthritis
It can result from a serious knee injury. A knee fracture or severe tears of the knee’s connective tissue may damage the tissue covering the ends of the bones over time, causing knee pain and limiting knee function.
Symptoms of Arthritis
- Severe pain in the joint that restricts everyday activities such as walking, climbing stairs and getting up from chairs.
- Severe pain while resting.
- Inflammation and swelling of the joint that does not improve with medication and rest.
- Deformity in the joint.
- Joint stiffness or inability to move the joint in a normal manner.
Partial Knee Replacement
This minimally invasive procedure is an option for arthritis patients in whom only one part of the knee has been affected.
In a Partial Knee Replacement the diseased portion is removed and replaced with a metal implant.
Total Knee Replacement Surgery
For patients suffering from severe arthritis that can cause acute pain and make even routine activities difficult, Total Knee Replacement is the best solution. The procedure involves removing all diseased portions of bone and tissue on their ends, and replacing them with metal and high density plastic components shaped to create a structure that allows normal movement of the joint. Other knee deformities will also be corrected during the Surgery.
