Joints are the junctions to connect two bones providing mobility so our body can move and displace. The knee joint is similar in working to the hinge joint that let you flex and extend the leg. We can climb, run, walk, jump, bend, sit, and stand with the succor of knee joints. Thus it is the most significant joint that provides locomotion. According to the knee injury doctor in Lahore where the knee joint is the strongest one in our body, it can also be subject to impairments due to an injury, infection, disease, or deformity. For some patients, knee replacement surgery is suggested by orthopedists to improve function.
Knee replacement surgery begins in the 1960s through traditional methods. As per the survey reports, approximately 800,000 replacement surgeries of knee joints are conceived in the United States every year. Most of them are old age people complaining of wear and tear due to knee arthritis. As far as Pakistan is concerned every 37 people out of 1000 suffer from knee osteoarthritis.
Anatomical evaluation of the knee
Knee joints are considered the largest and most complex joints in the human body. The knee joint is the connection between the thighbone i.e. femur and the shinbone i.e. tibia. The fibula and patella (kneecap) are other bones forming the knee joint. Stability to the knee joint is imparted by tendons that connect leg muscles to the bones and ligaments that connect the joint. Four kinds of ligaments are found in the knee i.e. anterior cruciate ligament, the posterior cruciate ligament, the medial collateral ligament, and the lateral collateral ligament. To reduce shocks and provide a frictionless surface for joint gliding, bone ends are covered with cartilage. Small fluid-filled sacs called bursae acts as a cushion between muscles and bones.
Replacement through surgical manipulation
The damaged knee joint is removed and prosthetic components made of plastic, ceramic, and metal are fixed in their place using bone cement and surgical hardware. It is a safe procedure that regains lost motion and reduces pain. The artificial joint copies the motion of a natural joint.
Ailments that drive towards knee replacement surgery
Certain knee joint concerns can instigate a need to replace the joint. Examples include:
Patellofemoral syndrome
Irritation to the cartilage lying on the underside of the kneecap induce pain.
Osteoarthritis
Occurs gradually with growing age and is a common form causing wear and tear of cartilage leading to pain, swelling, and joint stiffness.
Ligament injury
An injury or sudden blow to the knee can cause ACL, PCL, or MCL strains bringing instability to the knee joint and inducing pain.
Meniscal tear
A sudden twist damages the knee cartilage.
Knee effusion
An injury or a disease like arthritis accumulates fluid inside the knee due to inflammation. Consistent effusion gives way to baker’s cyst in which fluid is gathered at the back of the knee.
Septic arthritis
A bacteria, fungus, or virus can cause infection in the knee joint initiating pain, swelling, and inflammation. It makes it tough to move the knee joint and deteriorates rapidly if left untreated, however, it is a rare issue.
Gout
It is a type of arthritis that occurs due to the accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints. It induces events of sudden severe pain and joint swelling dwells.
Patellar subluxation
It happens when a kneecap aberrantly dislocates while an activity induces pain around the kneecap.
Patellar tendonitis
A tendon that connects the kneecap to the shinbone is called the patellar tendon. Inflammation to this tendon can occur due to repeated actions like jumping in sports.
Knee bursitis
Overuse of the knee joint or an injury can cause bursitis which is an inflammation of bursae (fluid-filled sacs).
Rheumatoid arthritis
It is a sort of arthritis whereby the body’s immune system attacks and causes damage to the joints. Under severe conditions, the joint may be permanently damaged if left untreated.
Refer to an orthopedist
Consult a knee injury doctor in Lahore whether knee replacement surgery is a solution to your problem or not. They will give a physical examination, and internal evaluation through imaging and laboratory tests, and will question to discuss your issue and medical history. He will check your joint strength and motion through assisted and non-assisted movement. A treatment plan is stretched over the nature of the disease and its severity. Initially, medicines, both oral and through injection are administered to handle the issue. Physical and RICE therapies are recommended to manage symptoms. Knee replacement surgery is suggested when:
- The joint is extremely damaged,
- The pain is unbearable and hinders routine work,
- Non-surgical methods didn’t prove fruitful.
- The knee shape is deformed.
However, knee replacement surgery helps to relieve pain. Patients can return to activities soon after the surgery as the newly implanted joint improves joint mobility. Living with knee pain prevents movement by which patients may put on weight leading to other health issues. So, substituting the damaged knee joint is a good solution to alleviate pain. Moreover, long-term intake of painkillers and other medicines to relieve knee issues could be fatal to body systems. The body may get addicted to the medications and painkillers could adversely affect the kidneys, liver and stomach. So knee replacement can save you from such unpleasant happenings.
Conclusion
The success rate of knee replacement surgery is high as many patients are reported to show great satisfaction with their newly implanted joint. It allows a better joint motion afterwards with a reduction in pain. Only a few cases are heard to experience some sort of complications but that can be overcome.
