Knee Joint Arthroplasty

• Severe and persistent knee pain that does not improve with rest or medication.
• Knee joint stiffness or reduced range of motion, especially in the morning or after sitting for long periods.
• Persistent swelling in the knee.
• Trouble with walking, climbing stairs, or performing daily activities.
• Weakness or instability in the knee joint.

• Ageing (> 50 years of age), arthritis, and joint wear and tear.
• Obesity that stresses the knee joint.
• Previous knee injuries.
• Family history of arthritis or joint problems.
• Jobs or activities that stress the knees.

• Severe primary osteoarthritis, which leads to the breakdown of cartilage and causes pain and stiffness.
• Rheumatoid arthritis or other inflammatory arthritis types with knee involvement.
• Secondary arthritis, which develops after an injury or infection of the knee.

Diagnosis is made by a knee specialist who will perform various examinations to confirm the need for knee joint arthroplasty:

• Physical examination by assessing knee pain, swelling, range of motion, and functional limitations.
• Medical history review to discuss symptoms, their duration, previous treatments, and overall health.
• Investigations such as:
  • X-rays: To evaluate the extent of joint damage, bone alignment, and overall joint structure.
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scan: To assess the soft tissues around the knee and provide detailed information about cartilage and bone damage.
  • Blood tests: To rule out infections or other conditions that might affect the surgery or recovery.

Non-surgical treatment

These include physical therapy, medications (analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs), weight management, and injections like corticosteroids or hyaluronic acid to reduce pain and inflammation.

Surgical treatment

• Conventional partial knee replacement or total knee replacement surgery
• Navigation-assisted knee surgery
• Robotic-assisted surgery: It is more precise and requires fewer bone cuts (Bone preserving). It is associated with fewer complications, faster recovery, and good functional outcomes.

Pre-surgical evaluation

These include assessing overall health, preparing for anaesthesia, and planning post-surgery rehabilitation.

During surgery

The surgeon will remove the damaged parts of the knee joint and replace them with an artificial implant. The procedure typically lasts 1–2 hours.

Post-surgery measures

• Rehabilitation: Post-surgery physical therapy is crucial to regain strength, mobility, and function in the knee. This often begins immediately after surgery.
• Pain management: It includes medications and ice therapy to manage pain and swelling.
• Lifestyle modifications: It is necessary to follow recommendations for activity levels and joint care to ensure optimal recovery and prevent complications.
• Ongoing physical therapy is the key for continuously improving strength and flexibility.

After the surgery, patients are suggested to undergo basic or advanced physiotherapy. However, returning to daily activities should be discussed with the orthopaedic expert for further injury prevention and rapid recovery.

Knee joint arthroplasty can significantly improve the quality of life by reducing pain and restoring mobility. However, it requires careful planning and commitment to rehabilitation for the best outcomes.