December 22, 2023 Author: Jorge Pon Knee joint replacement, or knee arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure in which a damaged or worn knee joint is replaced with an artificial prosthesis. This intervention is commonly performed in patients who suffer : Severe osteoarthritis; Rheumatoid arthritis; Significant injuries that cause intense pain and functional limitation. Indications for knee arthroplasty Most often knee arthroplasty is recommended when other treatment options, such as medications, physical therapy, and lifestyle modifications, do not provide adequate pain relief and improved joint function. The quality of life of patients with advanced osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or severe injuries can be significantly improved by replacing the knee joint with a prosthesis. Types of knee prostheses There are two main types of knee replacement : Total prostheses , which replace both the femoral surface and the tibial surface of the knee joint; Partial or unicondylar prostheses , which replace only a part of the joint. The choice depends on the extent of the joint wear and the location of the damage in the joint. Surgery and post-operative recovery Knee arthroplasty surgery has several steps. First the surgeon removes the damaged surfaces of the joint, replacing them with artificial components made from materials such as metal and polyethylene plastic. The implants are then fixed to the bone using bone or porous cement, allowing the bone to grow around them. Recovery after knee arthroplasty is a gradual process. As a general rule, patients can begin walking with the help of assistive devices (eg crutches) on the same day or the day after surgery. Physical therapy plays an important role in the recovery process , helping patients regain knee strength, range of motion, and stability. Most people who have a knee joint replacement can return to normal activities with less pain and better mobility after complete recovery , which takes a few weeks to months depending on the case. Complications of knee joint replacement Although knee joint replacement is generally safe and effective, as with any surgical procedure, there are associated risks. Possible complications include: Infection; Deep vein thrombosis; Joint stiffness; Removal of implants; Adverse reactions to the materials used in the prosthesis. It is essential to follow your doctor's instructions to minimize these risks and ensure a smooth recovery. Long-term results of knee arthroplasty In most cases, knee arthroplasty provides significant pain relief and improves quality of life. However, the durability of the prosthesis varies. It may eventually be necessary to have the prosthesis revised, especially after many years of use. For the same reason, it is a procedure that, whenever possible, should be reserved for later ages, to reduce the likelihood of issues related to the durability of the prosthesis and the need for revision surgery. In summary Knee arthroplasty is an effective and safe procedure to relieve pain and restore joint function in patients with severe knee joint injuries. The decision to perform this surgery requires a complete and detailed medical evaluation, taking into account: Age; General health; Level of pain; Functional limitation; Lifestyle and desires of patients; Failure of other possible interventions. A multidisciplinary approach, including physical therapy and regular medical follow-up, is crucial to ensuring a successful recovery after knee arthroplasty. Meet the Orthopedic clinical team from Hospital da Luz network. The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
