Knee Surgery Overview
Knee surgeries are considered orthopedic procedures performed to address and repair pain in the knee caused by injuries, running, tendinitis or arthritis. After examination and diagnosis, treatment for various knee problems will depend upon the extent of the injury, condition or disease as well as medical history, age, and overall health.
Common Knee Treatments and Procedures
- Knee Replacement Surgery (Arthroplasty)
- Knee Ligament Repair
- Knee Abrasion Arthroplasty
- Runner's Knee (Patellofemoral Stress Syndrome)
Most Common Examples of Knee Surgical Procedures
Knee surgery is one of the most common surgical procedures used to address damage to bones and tissues caused by arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and the pain and stiffness of arthritis due to injuries. Partial or total knee replacement surgeries relieve knee pain that can't be controlled by other procedures to renew range of motion and mobility.
Knee replacement is also known as arthroplasty. This procedure, which is considered for people suffering from severe knee injuries or arthritis, replaces a damaged knee joint with an artificial joint.
The upper and lower leg is held together at the knee joint. Layers of cartilage that protect the knee and absorb the shock of walking and running cushion the bone ends of the thighbone (femur) and the shin bone (tibia). One of the most common causes of knee damage is osteoarthritis, which breaks down this joint cartilage and surrounding bone tissues.
Knee replacement surgery requires a hospital stay and is generally performed under general anesthesia. The physician will make an incision and remove the damaged parts of the knee joint, replacing them with a metal or plastic prosthesis. Upon completion of the procedure, the incision is closed and a drain tube placed into the incision site to help remove buildup of fluid.
It is very important for patients to begin using their new knee joint soon after surgery. Physical therapy involving range of motion as well as walking as soon as possible will help to facilitate healing and mobility.
Knee ligament repair is a common procedure designed to increase knee movement and mobility of ligaments that have been damaged, most commonly, through sports injuries. Ligaments are elastic, connective tissues that connect one bone to another in all joint locations throughout the body. Ligaments provide support and range of motion, but torn ligaments caused by injuries prevent a person from turning, twisting, or pivoting on their leg.
Four major ligaments are found in the knee joint. These connect the femur to the tibia. The type of ligament repair will depend on which ligament has been damaged or torn. The most commonly damaged ligament is called the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). This ligament is located at the front of the knee and is often injured while skiing or playing football and basketball.
While most knee ligament tears may be treated with protective knee braces, strengthening exercises and limited activity, surgery is often necessary to reattach the torn ends of ligaments either to bone or to remaining ends of healthy ligaments.
In most cases, knee ligament repair is performed on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia. After making an incision in the knee, the physician will use an arthroscope, a tube shaped instrument, that is inserted into a joint to reattach torn ligaments to each other, or to reconstruct a torn ligament using a graft from other tendons supplied by other portions of the leg. Small holes drilled in the tibia and femur allows the surgeon to reattach torn ligament to both sides of the joint, around which the bone will eventually grow.
Physical therapy to regain muscle strength and stability and range of motion will be initiated as soon as possible once healing process has begun.
Knee abrasion arthroplasty is a procedure that does not involve the use of prosthetics to replace damaged cartilage tissues at the ball joint. In this technique, the bones of the femur and tibia are literally sanded down to a depth of about 1 mm. Those ends of the bones will eventually create a cushioning substance, which will replace cartilage and allow the knee joint to heal naturally. Range of motion is more limited with this procedure than with a partial or total knee replacement procedure.
Runner's Knee, also known as Patellofemoral Stress Syndrome, is generally caused by repetitive rubbing of the kneecap against the thighbone, commonly seen in athletes and long-distance runners. Any given individual's medical history, age, overall health, extent of the injury and tolerance of medications and therapies will determine what type of treatment or procedure is recommended.
Benefits of Knee Surgeries
Knee surgeries and procedures increase range of motion and reduce pain and swelling in those suffering from various forms of arthritis, sports injuries, and the general aging process. The goal of any knee surgical procedure is to improve quality of life and mobility and as such is often recommended for treatment of various diseases processes and injuries.
Cost of Procedures
In the United States, a knee replacement surgical procedure can cost up to or over $30,000, as compared to the $12,000 charged in India. The cost of ligament repair can cost around $17,000 per knee in America, with knee abrasion arthroplasty costing nearly twice that amount.
Who Performs Knee Surgeries?
Orthopedic surgeons perform all types of orthopedic surgical procedures including knee surgeries. Potential patients should check to make sure their physician is certified with State, Provincial, or National Board of Orthopedic surgeon organizations or associations in their country of origin. |
