Knee Replacement Surgery: Knee Replacement Surgery, Also known as arthroplasty is one of the most common bone surgeries in the United States.Throughout the surgery, an orthopedic surgeon carves away the damaged part of the knee and replaces it with an artificial joint made of metal. The artificial joint is then connected to the thigh bone, shin, and kneecap with a special material such as acrylic cement.
Osteoarthritis is the most frequent reason for knee replacement operation in the U.S.
Knee replacement surgery is ordinarily required when the knee joint is worn or damaged to the extent that your mobility is diminished and you experience pain still while resting.
Other conditions that cause knee damage include:
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Gout
- Haemophilia
- Death of bone in the knee joint following blood supply problems (avascular necrosis)
- Disorders that cause unusual bone growth (bone dysplasias)
- Knee injury
- Knee deformity with pain and loss of cartilage
Types of knee replacement surgery
There are two main types of operation, depending on the status of the knee:
- Total knee replacement (TKR) – both surfaces of your knee joint are replaced
- Partial (half) knee replacement (PKR) – particularly one side of your joint is replaced in a smaller operation
Total knee replacement (TKR)
Through a TKR, the surgeon removes the surface of your bones that have been destroyed by osteoarthritis or other circumstances and replaces the knee with an artificial implant that is picked to fit your anatomy. A consultant uses appropriate surgical instruments to cut away the arthritic bone perfectly and then shape the healthy bone underneath to fit precisely into the implant segments.
Basically, the surgery is a four-step process. The first part comprises preparing the bone by removing the damaged cartilage surfaces at the ends of the femur and tibia, as well as a small portion of the underlying bone.
Throughout the next phase, the surgeon places the metal tibial and femoral implants and either press-fits them or cements them to the bone. “Press-fitting” commits to implants that are built with irregular surfaces to stimulate the bone in your knee to grow into them, thus securing the implants essentially.
The next track is to insert a plastic button beneath the kneecap (patella). This may need resurfacing the undersurface of the kneecap in order to adequately affix it to the button. Eventually, the surgeon implants a medical grade plastic spacer within the tibial and femoral metal components in order to generate a smooth surface that glides easily and imitates the motion of the natural knee. In order to secure a successful outcome, the surgeon must align the implants accurately and carefully fit them to the bone.
Partial (half) knee replacement (PKR)
Through a PKR, a surgeon eliminates the arthritic portion of the knee—including bone and cartilage—and substitutes that compartment with metal and plastic components. A PKR surgery allows a few key benefits, including a shorter hospital stay, faster recovery, and rehabilitation period, fewer pain following operation. Compared among those who receive a TKR, patients who receive a PKR frequently report that their knee bends better and feels more original. However, there’s less assurance that a PKR will diminish or eliminate the underlying pain, and since the preserved bone is furthermore susceptible to arthritis, there’s also a greater chance that follow-up TKR operation may be required at some point in the future.
Surgeons habitually perform PKRs on younger patients who have plenty of healthy bone remaining. The method is performed on one of the three knee compartments. If two or more knee compartments are damaged, it is apparently not the best option. PKRs are most proper for those who lead an active lifestyle and might demand a follow-up procedure. However, it is also applied for some older individuals who live relatively sedentary lifestyles.
Cost for Knee Replacement Surgery
The average hospital cost for a total knee replacement (TKR) in the United States is $49,500. A partial knee replacement (PKR) typically costs about 10 to 20 percent less than a TKR.
A total knee replacement cost in Australia $35,000 or more.
Average Knee replacement cost in Europe
Knee replacement cost in Ireland – 17,000 EUR
Knee replacement cost in the UK – 11,500 EUR
Knee replacement cost in Germany & France – 11,500 EUR
Knee replacement cost in Poland – 4,800 EUR
Knee replacement cost in Turkey – 4,200 EUR
Knee replacement cost in Lithuania – 5,900 EUR
Cost of Knee Replacement Surgery in Singapore Hospitals within $17000- $35,000 or more.
The cost of Knee Replacement Surgery in India ranges among $4000- $9000 depending upon the type of surgery- partial /total knee replacement, unilateral/ bilateral knee replacement, minimally invasive surgery etc.
Alternatives to Knee Replacement
While total knee replacement can be necessary under the right circumstances, you should consult the risks, benefits, and alternatives with a surgeon. Alternatives to total knee replacement involve:
Nonsurgical treatment — Nonsurgical treatment techniques are originally recommended for patients with osteoarthritis or inflammatory arthritis. This combines:
- Exercise/physical therapy– Strengthening the muscles nearby the knee help take pressure off the knee. The motion of the joint maintains to keep it from getting stiff.
- Weight loss- The knee escorts about four pounds of pressure for per pound of body weight, so indeed a small amount of weight loss (eg, 5 to 10 lbs) can lead to reduced pain.
- Medications- Including over-the-counter and prescription. These combine pain relievers such as acetaminophen and anti-inflammatory drugs such as naproxen or ibuprofen. Patients should discuss the use of these medications with their primary care provider to be sure the risk of side effects is acceptably low.
- Knee bracing -which may help align the knee and balance the weight on the joint.
- Injections- Either with a cortisone-like drug or a hyaluronic acid derivative.
- Arthroscopy — Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical method in which a surgeon examines the inside of a joint with a device called an arthroscope. The surgeon can repair any damage through small surgical incisions in the skin. Arthroscopy is only suitable for a certain type of knee problems such as ACL. Arthroscopic surgery has not confirmed a significant benefit for patients with osteoarthritis.
- Osteotomy — Osteotomy is a surgical method that involves cutting the leg bone, realigning it, and enabling it to heal. It is practiced to shift weight from a damaged part of the knee to a normal or less damaged one. Osteotomy is not approved for patients older than 60 years of age or concerning those with inflammatory arthritis (rheumatoid arthritis).