Partial Knee Replacement

Partial knee replacement in Delhi is an alternative to total knee replacement for some patients with osteoarthritis of the knee when the damage is limited to a particular compartment of the knee. In the past, partial knee replacement was reserved for elderly patients who were involved in few activities, but with implants and improved surgical techniques, more patients are now being considered for partial knee replacement compared to a few years ago. About 5% to 6% of patients with arthritic knees are considered eligible for partial knee replacement, says best knee surgeon in Delhi.

How common is knee osteoarthritis?

It is estimated that up to 30% of the population has knee osteoarthritis. Until age 50, knee osteoarthritis is equally common in men and women. After 50, more women are affected, says orthopaedic in Delhi.

What is osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is the breakdown of connective tissue called articular cartilage within the joint. Articular cartilage prevents rubbing between one bone against another. The cartilage acts as a shock absorber of the impacts on the joint and allows stable and smooth movements within the joint. When the cartilage becomes thinner, the joint may become inflamed and you may feel pain and stiffness in the joint and your range of motion may be limited, says orthopaedic in Najafgarh.

What is a partial knee replacement?

In partial knee replacement in west Delhi, only the damaged part of the knee cartilage is replaced by a prosthesis.

What are the advantages of partial knee replacement over total knee replacement?

Compared with total knee replacement, partial knee replacement preserves better range of motion and function of the knee because it preserves healthy bones and tissues in the knee. For these reasons, patients tend to be more satisfied with partial knee replacement compared to total knee replacement, and they are still candidates for a total knee replacement if they need it in the future. There is also less blood loss during surgery, and the movement of the knee recovers faster with partial knee replacement, says orthopaedic in Tilak Nagar.

Who is a candidate for partial knee replacement?

Patients with medial, lateral, or patellofemoral knee osteoarthritis may be considered for partial knee replacement. "Medial" refers to the internal compartment of the joint, which is the compartment closest to the opposite knee, while "lateral" refers to the outer compartment furthest from the opposite knee. Medial knee osteoarthritis is commonly caused by damage to the cartilages of the knee, known as the meniscus.

Patellofemoral osteoarthritis is osteoarthritis of the joint between the kneecap (patella) and the lower leg bone (femur). This type of knee osteoarthritis is more common than osteoarthritis of the lateral compartment of the knee.

If your knee pain persists despite anti-inflammatory medications and maintaining a healthy weight, you may want to consider a knee replacement, says orthopaedic in Vikaspuri.

Your doctor will ask you to identify the area of ​​pain in your knee, then examine your range of motion and stability of the knee. An X-ray examination of the knee will determine your eligibility for partial knee replacement but the surgeon will not know for sure if you are a good candidate until the surgery has begun. To be a candidate, you must have the anterior cruciate ligament intact, a sufficient range of motion of the knee, limited inflammation, minimal pain at rest, damage to one compartment only, and no calcification of the cartilage or dislocation of the knee.

In the past, partial knee replacement was considered only in patients older than 60 years who were sedentary but lately, more active patients are progressively being considered.

How is the recovery?

You can start moving the knee the day after joint replacement surgery in Delhi. The function of your knee should return quickly and with less pain than with total knee replacement. You will work with a physical therapist to mobilize the knee while you are in the hospital and for 2 to 4 weeks after discharge, which usually occurs in no more than 1 or 2 days after surgery.

You will need medications to prevent the formation of blood clots while you are in the hospital and possibly for a period of time after you are discharged.

If all goes well, you should return to a full activity in about 1 month. Impact or jogging / running exercises may not be recommended because the replacement includes a support surface that can be damaged.

What are the risks?

An infection at the surgery site is possible. Blood clots are a risk, as are injuries to blood vessels or nerves. These complications are quite rare. You may experience some stiffness in the knee joint.

Late complications include infections and failure, detachment, or dislocation of the prosthesis as well as continuous pain.

What is total knee replacement?

The knee replacement surgery (arthroscopy in Delhi) or total knee prosthesis is an operation consisting of the replacement of a damaged, worn or diseased knee with an artificial joint (prosthesis).

Adults of any age can be considered for a knee replacement in Delhi, although most are performed on people between the ages of 60 and 80.

A knee replacement usually lasts more than 20 years, especially if the new knee is used correctly and is not subjected to too much stress.

Causes of total knee replacement

The most common cause of chronic knee pain and disability is arthritis.

Although there are many types of arthritis, most knee pain is caused by only three types:

• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Post-traumatic arthritis

Osteoarthritis

It usually occurs in people 50 years of age and older, but it can occur in younger people.

The cartilage that cushions the bones of the knee softens and wears out.

The bones rub against each other, causing pain and stiffness of the knee.

Rheumatoid arthritis

This is a disease in which the synovial membrane that surrounds the joint becomes inflamed and swollen.

This chronic inflammation can damage the cartilage and eventually cause the loss of cartilage, causing pain and stiffness.

Rheumatoid arthritis is the most common form of a group of disorders called "inflammatory arthritis."

Post-traumatic arthritis

This type of knee arthritis can result from a serious knee injury.

Fractures of the bones that surround the knee or ruptures of the knee ligaments can damage the articular cartilage over time, causing pain in the knee and limiting the functioning of the knee.

Complications of total knee replacement

As with any surgery, joint replacement surgery in Delhi carries risks and complications may occur

For knee replacement surgery, these risks are low. Possible complications include:

Infection

The infection may occur at the site of the wound or around the prosthesis. It can happen while you are in the hospital or after you go home. They can even occur several years after the surgery.

Minor infections in the wound area are usually treated with antibiotics.

Major or deep infections may require another surgery to remove the prosthesis.

Any infection in your body can spread to the area of ​​the joint that has been replaced.

Blood clots

Blood clots in the veins of the legs are one of the most common complications of knee replacement in Dwarka. These clots can be life-threatening if they break down and travel to the lungs.

Preventive measures may include:

• Periodic elevation of the legs
• Exercises to increase circulation in the leg
• Support stockings
• Medications to thin the blood.

Problems with the implant

Although implant designs and materials, as well as surgical techniques, continue to advance, the surfaces of the implant may wear out and the components may loosen.

Movement of the knee may be more limited, particularly in patients with limited mobility before surgery.

The risk of failure of the prosthesis is greater if the joint is endeavored with activities of high impact or excessive weight.

Continuous pain

A small number of patients continue to have pain after a knee replacement in West Delhi. This complication is uncommon, since the vast majority of patients experience pain relief after knee replacement.

Injury of the nerves and blood vessels

Although uncommon, injuries to nerves or blood vessels around the knee can occur during surgery.

Other complications:

• Allergic reaction to anesthesia
• Temporary or permanent numbness around the wound site
• The amputation of the leg due to a serious wound infection of the surgery.
• Paralysis of the foot due to nerve damage
• Lack of blood supply to the leg due to damage to the blood vessels (which can lead to amputation).

Signs of infection

Although the risk of infection is low, notify your orthopaedic in Delhi immediately if you notice:

• Fever higher than 37.8 C
• Shaking chills
• Secretions in the area of ​​surgery
• Increased redness, swelling and pain in the knee
• An infected knee replacement usually requires surgery to remove artificial parts and antibiotics to kill the bacteria.

After the infection is controlled, another surgery must be done to install a new knee.

The chances of a good or excellent result that reduces pain and improves knee function tend to decrease with each additional surgery

How is a total knee prosthesis placed?

With the patient under anesthesia, the orthopaedic surgeon in Delhi replaces the damaged joint with an artificial prosthesis.

In the knee, the bony ends of the femur and the tibia are replaced by prosthetic components that articulate with each other and with the kneecap, which in most cases is also replaced.

A prosthesis can be implanted in other joints although the most common surgeries are those of the knee and hip.

The materials used in total prostheses are designed to allow mobility similar to that of the normal joint.

The components of the prosthesis are usually composed of a metal element that fits exactly in a plastic.

Various metals are used: stainless steel, cobalt alloys, chromium and titanium.

The plastic is an extremely durable and wear-resistant polyethylene.

A type of cement is usually used to fix the components to the bone, although there are also uncemented prostheses, which are anchored directly to the bone.

Types of knee replacement surgery

There are two main types of surgery, depending on the condition of the knee:

Total knee replacement - both sides of the knee joint are replaced

Partial knee replacement - only one side of the joint is replaced in a smaller operation with a shorter hospital stay and recovery period.

How long does a knee replacement last?

Improvements in surgical techniques, technology and materials have made knee replacement surgery one of the most successful procedures done by orthopaedic in Dwarka.

Most people experience less pain, increased movement and a better quality of life.

However, implants do not last forever. It is expected that implants should work for a minimum of 15 to 20 years in 85-90% of patients.

Over time, the wear loosens the implants and these can cause pain, have loose particles, cause infection and instability.

Once this happens, orthopaedic in West Delhi recommend undergoing revision knee surgery.

Recovery from knee replacement surgery

Usually, you will be in the hospital for three to five days, but the recovery time may vary depending on the person and the type of surgery that is performed.

Once you are able to be discharged, your hospital will give you advice about taking care of your knee at home.

You will have to use a walking frame or crutches at first and a physiotherapist in Dwarka will teach you exercises to help strengthen your knee.

Most people can stop using help to walk around six weeks after surgery and start driving after approximately eight to 12 weeks.

Full recovery can take up to two years.

A very small amount of people will continue to experience some pain after two years.