A Comprehensive Guide to Total and Partial Knee Replacement Surgery

Osteoarthritis is one condition that would debilitate your knee joint and cause discomfort, even if you exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight. The knee is a complex joint of the body, wherein the thighbone and the shinbone meet, and function smoothly, gliding against each other beneath the kneecap. Initially, orthopaedists help in alleviating arthritis through medication such as celecoxib, diclofenac sodium, and ibuprofen. However, for severe cases, surgical replacement of the knee, either total or partial, is often the preferred option. You can get in touch with a joint replacement center in Texas or any other area in the US for total or partial knee replacement surgery to get relief in cases of severe knee problems. Let us discuss in detail, the various joint replacement techniques.

1. Total knee replacement

The knee replacement technique involves the replacement of the joint surfaces, both at the bottom end of the femur (thigh bone) and at the top end of the tibia (shin bone). The surgery might also involve replacement of the under-surface of the patella (kneecap), with a plastic dome. The natural patella may also be preserved and re-instated into its place inside the knee in some cases. The doctors cement the prosthetic parts in place, or the prosthetic part is textured to facilitate bone growth onto it, thereby forming a natural, strong bond.

2. Partial (unicompartmental) knee replacement

The knee joint comprises of three major components- the medial (inner), the lateral (outer) and the patellofemoral (kneecap). The medial side is generally affected by arthritis and thereby it is possible to have a partial knee replacement. Partial knee replacement surgery involves less involvement with the knee and as a result, patients take less time to recover. Minimally invasive technique is used to conduct the partial knee replacement wherein a small incision is made to accomplish the task. However, partial knee surgery is suitable for patients with healthy and strong ligament in the knee.

3. Revision knee replacement

Revision knee replacement is a more complex procedure and is suitable for patients with more severe conditions such as those who have had a significant bone loss due to arthritis, weakened knee ligaments or severe deformity of the knee. The knee replacements allow the prosthetic component to interlock in the center of the knee or securely fix it into the cavity of the bone. Additionally, doctors may use metallic or plastic pieces if the bone is badly damaged.

Wrapping up

Top notch joint replacement centers in Texas and other parts of the US provide treatment for multiple cases of rheumatoid arthritis, where the knee joint is either completely or partially damaged. For such severe cases, surgeons prefer to undertake the surgical approach to provide relief from the problem. Out of the three procedures, the total knee replacement is the most stable and long-term option; however, the procedure requires more recovery time than the partial knee replacement.