What is a knee replacement?
A knee replacement is a procedure you might need if no other treatment options are relieving your pain or improving joint function in your knee.
The most common problem affecting knees and requiring joint replacement is arthritis. There are many forms of arthritis, but the one that affects most people is osteoarthritis. This is a wear-and-tear condition that results from years of joint use.
Over time, the cartilage that protects the ends of your bones wears away, and the exposed bones start rubbing together. This causes inflammation, pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joint.
Conservative treatments, including physical therapy, medications, joint injections, and biologics can help ease the symptoms.
However, these options might eventually lose their effectiveness, which is when knee replacement can help. Knee replacement can be total or partial. In most cases, knee replacement enables patients to have significantly improved quality of life by reducing chronic knee pain.
What is a total knee replacement?
Total knee replacement surgery is a good option for patients who have arthritis that involves the entire knee joint. Dr. Richardson replaces the worn-out joint surfaces with metal and plastic to give you a joint similar to your own healthy knee.
A knee replacement is made up of three components:
Femoral component
A metal cap placed over the end of your femur (thigh bone)
Tibial component
A stemmed metal tray with a plastic plate that covers the top of your tibia (shin bone)
Patellar component
A dome-shaped plastic button that covers your patella (knee cap)
What is a partial knee replacement?
In many patients who have knee arthritis, only one area or compartment of the knee needs replacing. In these patients, a partial knee replacement or unicompartmental (uni) knee replacement may be an option.
Similar to the total knee replacement, partial knee replacement consists of a metal femoral and tibial component with a plastic insert between the two metal pieces.
As Dr. Richardson is replacing less of the knee, a partial knee replacement offers many advantages over total knee replacement in the right patients. These advantages include:
- Shorter surgical times
- Less perioperative risk
- Better function
- Faster recovery times
Would I need a total or partial knee replacement?
In order to be a candidate for partial or total knee replacement, several factors will need to be considered. Dr. Richardson will discuss these factors with you during your visit with him.
If you are having chronic or severe knee pain and would like to discuss knee replacement surgery, make an appointment with Andrew B. Richardson, MD, to discuss your options. Call today or book an appointment online.
What is revision total knee replacement?
Revision total knee replacement is sometimes necessary if there’s a problem with your existing knee replacement. Even with a successful procedure, the components of your new knee sometimes develop a fault, making the joint:
- Stiff
- Unstable
- Swollen
- Painful
If this happens, additional surgery to remove and replace components of the knee prosthesis is sometimes necessary. This surgery is called a revision total knee replacement. This surgery has the same goals as a primary knee replacement, however, these surgical procedures are often longer, more complex procedures that require extensive planning and experience to perform.
Dr. Richardson has subspecialty training and extensive experience in evaluating, understanding and treating these complex issues.
If you’re experiencing problems with your existing knee replacement, call the office of Andrew B. Richardson, MD, today or book an appointment online.
