Surgical Treatments

Surgical treatments for knee arthritis are considered when non-surgical options no longer provide relief or when the condition significantly impacts daily life.

Surgical Treatments for Knee Arthritis

Surgical treatments for knee arthritis are considered when non-surgical options no longer provide relief or when the condition significantly impacts daily life. There are several surgical procedures available, and here are some of the most common ones:

Arthroscopy

This is a minimally invasive procedure in which a small camera (arthroscope) is inserted through small incisions in the knee joint. It allows the surgeon to visualise and address certain knee conditions, such as removing loose cartilage or bone fragments, repairing damaged cartilage, or trimming damaged tissue. 

Osteotomy

During an osteotomy, the surgeon reshapes and realigns the bones around the knee joint to shift weight away from the damaged area. This procedure is typically recommended for younger patients who have isolated arthritis on one side of the knee joint. It aims to delay the need for joint replacement surgery.

Partial Knee Replacement (Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty)

This procedure involves replacing only the damaged portion of the knee joint with metal or plastic implants while preserving the healthy parts. It is suitable for patients with limited arthritis in one compartment of the knee.

Total Knee Replacement (Total Knee Arthroplasty)

In a total knee replacement surgery, the entire knee joint is replaced with an artificial joint made of metal and plastic components. This procedure is typically recommended for patients with severe arthritis affecting multiple knee compartments. It can provide long-lasting pain relief and improve joint function.

Revision Knee Replacement

Sometimes, previous knee replacements may fail due to various reasons such as infection, instability, or component loosening. Revision knee replacement involves removing the problematic implants and replacing them with new ones.

Summary

The decision to undergo surgery and the choice of procedure depend on several factors, including the stage of arthritis, patient’s age, overall health, and the surgeon’s expertise. Your healthcare professional, specifically an orthopaedic surgeon, will evaluate your condition and recommend the most appropriate surgical option based on your individual needs.

It’s important to discuss the potential risks, benefits, recovery process, and expectations of the surgical procedure thoroughly with your healthcare professional before making a decision. They will provide you with the necessary information and guidance to help you make an informed choice.