Knee surgery is usually used for the treatment of different knee conditions that can cause knee pain. Non-surgical treatments are usually tried for initial treatment. When pain is not supported by other treatments, many people find knee surgery an option well worth attempting. There are various types of knee surgery and the conditions that are best employed with each.
Knee replacement surgery is usually employed when the knee joint is damaged to the extent that your mobility is reduced and you experience pain even while resting. you can’t work or have a normal social life.
The common reason for knee replacement surgery is osteoarthritis. Other conditions that cause knee damage include:
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Haemophilia
- Gout
- Disorders that induce abnormal bone growth (Bone Dysplasias)
- Destruction of bone in the knee joint because of blood supply problems (Avascular Necrosis)
- Knee injury
- Knee deformation including pain and loss of cartilage
Before your operation stay as active as you can. Strengthening the muscles around your knee joint will help your recovery. If you can, continue to take gentle exercise, in the weeks and months before your operation. You can be referred to a physiotherapist, who provide you with helpful exercises.
Depending on the rigor of arthritis of the knee, a partial or total knee replacement surgery can be offered. If only a part of the knee is arthritic, the surgeon will use implant pieces to just replace that compartment. If the entire joint is in the necessity of replacement, surgeons will use metal and plastic knee replacement implant to reconstruct the nature of the knee.
Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive knee surgery done by inserting a lighted scope and narrow instruments within small incisions in the skin over the knee.
While knee arthroscopy is a method that is restorative for many people. If the damage to your knee is chiefly limited to one section, your surgeon may recommend a surgery called osteotomy. In an osteotomy, the consultant reshapes the bones and repositions them to take the weight off of the damaged part of the knee. In doing so it can improve alleviate pain and gain function.
Other Common Types of Knee Surgery
- Meniscus Repair
- Meniscectomy
- Meniscus Transplant
- Lateral Release
- Plica Removal
- Microfracture
- Tendon Repair
- ACL Reconstruction
Meniscus Involvement
Meniscectomy
If you possess pain and swelling in the knee, you sway have a meniscus tear. The meniscus is the shock-absorbing wedge of cartilage that occupies on the tibia in the knee to give a cushion with impact.
In a Meniscectomy, the part of the torn meniscus is removed via arthroscopy. In arthroscopy, tiny incisions are made on the knee to allow a small camera and tool to carefully complete the surgery.
Meniscus Repair
In some cases, the meniscus tear is in a piece of the meniscus that possesses a good blood supply. Therefore, the surgeon may choose to complete a repair of the torn meniscus, through a meniscectomy.
This may be more helpful to the patient, as it could reduce their risk of future arthritis by not having to remove a portion of the meniscus, but the recovery time is typically longer.
Meniscus Transplant
A meniscus transplant occurs in a patient who has become complete removal of the meniscus and remains to have knee pain. It constitutes putting a meniscus from a donor patient within the knee of the patient. This is too completed through arthroscopy.
Other Arthroscopies
Plica Removal
The plica is a piece of tissue from fetal development. Usually, it is lost over time, but in some circumstances, some of the plica will remain. If conventional treatment of plica irritation does not fix the symptoms, arthroscopy can be done to remove the excess plica from the knee.
Lateral Release
This operational technique is applied to remove the tissue on the outside of the knee that keeps the kneecap in place. If the lateral retinaculum is extremely tight, it can draw the patella laterally and cause pain. If the pain continues, the surgeon may choose to release the lateral retinaculum to support improved patellar tracking.
Microfracture
Microfracture is formed in an area of the knee with tiny cartilage damage inside the joint. The difficulty with a microfracture is that it hardly works on a small area of damage in the knee. Healing cartilage is likewise not the same as normal joint cartilage, consequently, pain and persistent damage are possible.
Ligaments and Tendon Involvement
ACL Reconstruction
The anterior cruciate ligament is one of the 4 major ligaments of the knee. It is likewise one of the most common injuries in athletes. The ACL is liable for the stability of the knee. If ACL torn, patients may complain of “giving way” in the knee. Consequently, they will possess the ligament replaced to regain stability.
Tendon Repair
The most usual tendon to repair in the knee is the patellar tendon(quadriceps). Both pass the knee joint, just at slightly different positions. In these circumstances, it is normally an open procedure with a scar along the front of the knee.
Knee Surgery Recovery Time
Everyone heals from his or her knee surgery at a different pace. Patients use walker or crutches for one to three days following surgery. If the pain is minimal then you do not become to use crutches or a walker. Once more content, the majority of the people are able to walk with just a slight limp in five days following surgery. Some people find a cane to be helpful. If you practice a cane, place it in the opposite hand the knee that was operated on.
It considers up to six weeks for the knee joint to re-establish normal joint fluid following arthroscopic surgery. There is a huge degree of variability in knee surgery recovery times. Some patients are capable to return to regular motions within two weeks. But most need roughly six weeks before they can resume full activities easily. The decrease of pain and swelling and increase in strength, motion, and coordination may recommence for three to four months.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy following knee arthroscopy and this is normally decided at the first post-operative appointment. Some patients recapture motion very quickly and have minimal swelling and they may only have to go once or twice to learn a home schedule. Your surgeon will determine what is best for you.
You are mentioned to bend and straighten your knee immediately following standard knee arthroscopy. Remember, your knee may be swollen and full-motion may be difficult for the first few days. You may tighten your quadriceps muscle right after surgery and encourage straight leg raises if they are not too painful. Massaging the patella with your leg straight is also beneficial. This encourages prevent scar formation and tightness nearby the patella during the recovery period.
You can put weight on your leg as is comfortable immediately after surgery. Again, the general need for crutches or a walker is concerning two or three days. Riding on an exercise bike or just walking are all good exercises to begin once the knee is less painful. Do not be surprised if your knee swell after such activities; remember to ice and elevate the knee afterward.
Knee Surgery Cost
The average total knee replacement surgery cost in the United States closer to $50,000-$60,000.
The average ACL surgery cost in the United States $9,000-$18,000.
The average total cost of knee surgery is based on your location, insurance, and surgeon skills.
Some patients opt to have their total knee replacement surgery performed overseas. The cost of the surgery can drop by 50 to 70 percent in countries like India, Mexico, or Taiwan.Same as the other knee surgery cost drop like that.