Knee pain and knee injuries are a widespread issue that can affect millions of individuals, and can happen for various reasons. At Great Lakes Orthopaedics, we routinely treat this condition using a range of methods. Nevertheless, surgical intervention is sometimes required when non-invasive treatments are ineffective. That said, in this article we will take a look at the most common knee operation and the reasons why someone may need knee surgery.
What Is the Most Common Knee Operation?
To put it simply, knee replacement surgery is one of the most commonly performed procedures. For severe knee pain and joint problems, knee replacement surgery is the most common treatment available with the highest success rate.
TKR also known as total knee replacement and PKR or partial knee replacement, are two of the options available. While PKR focuses mainly on the injured area of the knee joint, TKR replaces the complete knee joint. These treatments seek to enhance quality of life, reduce pain, and regain mobility.
Reasons for Needing a Knee Operation
Knee replacement surgery may be required as a result of several problems or concerns, such as:
- Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis is the most prevalent cause of knee replacements. It is caused by the degeneration of the cartilage that cushions the knee joint.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: This inflammatory disease inflames the knee joint, which over time causes discomfort and damage.
- Post-Traumatic Arthritis: Traumatic or sports-related knee injuries might cause arthritis and necessitate knee replacement surgery.
- Deformities: Disorders like knock knees and bowed legs can lead to uneven wear on the knee joint, requiring surgery to address the issue.
Knee Replacement Surgery: What You Need to Know
Knee replacement surgery is not always required but in order to fully understand the procedure we’ve broken down what you need to know.
During a knee replacement procedure, damaged bone and cartilage in the knee joint are removed and replaced with metal and plastic prosthetic implants. Knee replacement surgery may be divided into two categories:
Total Knee Replacement:
This treatment calls for the replacement of the whole knee joint. Patients with substantial damage involving the entire knee or those with severe osteoarthritis are usually advised to receive this type of surgery. During TKR, the injured surfaces of the shin (tibia) and thigh (femur) bones are removed and, if needed, the kneecap (patella) is replaced with prosthetic parts.
Partial Knee Replacement:
Often referred to as unicompartmental knee replacement, this technique replaces just the injured knee component. It is appropriate for individuals whose injury is limited to either the medial (inside) or lateral (outside) compartment of the knee. Patients often heal faster after PKR than TKR, and a greater portion of their natural knee structure is maintained.
Speak to Our Experts About Knee Surgery at Great Lakes Orthopaedics in Garden City, MI
Have a knee injury or simply want to learn more about knee surgery? Speak with the professionals at Great Lakes Orthopaedics in Garden City, Michigan. Simply give us a call or fill out a contact form to make an appointment to talk about your options and get individualized, skilled treatment that is catered to your needs.
The information provided should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, and those seeking personal medical advice should consult with a licensed physician. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health provider regarding a medical condition.
