Knee is the motor of our engine called body. Knee joints manoevour the leg moments, and without its help our walking gets disrupted. Knee joints are subject to wear and tear and eventually a badly worn out knee needs to be replaced. The first knee replacement surgery was done in the year 1968. Knee replacements are being extensively worldwide to improve the quality of life of patients.
Different types of knee surgeries are done to help patients regain their mobility at the earliest. Usually there are four main types of knee surgeries in vogue in India and abroad.
- Total Knee Replacement
- Partial or uni-compartmental Knee replacement
- Patellafemoral arthoplasty
- Complex or revision knee replacement
Total Knee Replacement : Total Knee replacement involves replacing the knee joint completely. The end of the shin bone or tibia and the thigh bone or tibia form a joint which is replaced with metal and plastic. Sometimes the patella or under-surface of the knee is also replaced with a dome like structure made out of plastic, depending on the need whether it has to be replaced or not which eventually affects the patient’s mobility. Usually the artificial new joint is cemented in place or else is coated to let the bone grow on it to form a natural binding bond.
Partial Knee Replacement : The knee can be divided in to three individual knee compartments. The three compartments in medical terminology are referred to as the Medial, lateral and patella-femoral. Arthritis can affect any part of the knee or the total knee as a whole. When one compartment like the medial or lateral or the patella region is affected then a partial knee replacement can be opted for. A minimally invasive surgery with a smaller incision can be opted for in case of partial knee replacement. The procedure is not as complex as a total knee replacement. Usually partial knee replacement is not opted for especially in Asians, as one needs to have strong bones and ligaments, and Asians usually because of their dietary habits lack the same.
Patients who have undergone partial knee replacement may need to undergo revision knee surgery. Hence total knee replacement is once and for all option.
Patella-femoral arthroplasty or knee cap replacement : The trochlea and undersurface of the knee cap are replaced in this procedure. This operation is performed usually in case of knee injuries and not opted for patients suffering from osteoarthritis as it has more complexities as the results are not predictable.
Complex or revision Knee replacement : Complex or revision knee replacement is performed in patients with in patients whose arthritis has progressed to the severe extent. Usually the artificial joint has an elongated stem or at times is hinged in shape to fit into the bone cavity exactly. Extra pieces of metal may be used to replace damaged bones if necessary. This surgery is prescribed if the bones have become brittle due to severe arthritis, weak ligaments or a badly damaged or deformed knee.
At KIMS we have state of the art Knee replacement centre with orthopedics well versed with all the modern techniques and procedures. We offer quality treatment at affordable prices and ensure that the patient recovers quickly and the mobility is increased at the fastest possible pace. At KIMS we ensure that you don’t return back time and again to the hospital by providing customized treatment to each and every person.