Causes of Knee Pain Leading to Replacement

One of the most common causes of severe knee pain leading to a knee replacement is osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage that cushions the ends of bones in the joint breaks down over time. This causes bones to rub together, causing pain, swelling and stiffness. Other conditions that may necessitate replacement include rheumatoid arthritis, post-traumatic arthritis following an injury, and osteonecrosis which is the death of bone tissue. Repeated stress or injury to the knee joint can accelerate the wear and tear of cartilage over many years.

The Surgical Procedure

During a replacement surgery, damaged parts of the knee joint are removed and replaced with artificial components. There are two main types of replacements - partial replacement which replaces only the damaged parts, and total replacement which replaces the whole joint. Both procedures are performed under general or regional anesthesia. The surgery usually takes 1-2 hours depending on the type of replacement.

In a total replacement, the surgeon first makes an incision on the knee to access the joint. The damaged cartilage and bone ends are removed and artificial components are inserted in their place. The tibia and femur are reshaped and plastic or ceramic inserts are placed between them. A plastic spacer is inserted at the back of the knee to replace the damaged surfaces. The new components are then cemented into place. Metal and polyethylene (plastic) are commonly used for replacement parts which are designed to last 15-20 years.

Rehabilitation and Recovery Process

After the surgery, patients are advised to participate actively in physical therapy to regain knee motion and strengthen the surrounding muscles. Patients normally leave the hospital 3-5 days after surgery and are typically on crutches or a walker for 4-6 weeks. Recovery usually takes 3-6 months with progressive improvement seen over this period.

During the initial weeks, the focus is on regaining knee motion and reducing swelling. Passive and active exercises are prescribed under therapist guidance. Later emphasis shifts to muscle strengthening, aerobic exercises, and functional activities like climbing stairs. It may take up to a year to maximize recovery benefits from surgery. Patients are advised to follow precautions for 6 months to avoid overstressing the new knee joint.

Post-Surgery Considerations

Most patients experience significant pain relief and improved mobility after knee replacement. However, not all patients achieve complete elimination of pain. Some may continue experiencing mild or activity-related discomfort. Stiffness is also a potential issue in the initial months. There is also a small but real risk of complications like infection, blood clots, loosening or fracture of implant parts.

Strict adherence to post-op precautions and exercise guidelines can help optimize outcomes. Lifestyle changes may be needed to avoid high impact activities. Most patients are able to return to non-strenuous daily and recreational pursuits within a few months. Driving may require 6-8 weeks depending on pain and therapist clearance. Overall, replacement helps relieve pain and restore functional ability for 7-10 years or more for majority of patients. Revision surgery may be required if implants wear out prematurely due to non-modifiable factors or excessive activity levels.

Summary

In summary, knee replacement provides effective long-term relief for severe arthritis by replacing damaged cartilage and bone with artificial joint surfaces. While recovery takes time and effort, most patients experience better knee function post-surgery allowing them to remain active and resume daily life within a few months. Following the rehabilitation protocols is critical to optimize outcomes after knee replacement surgery. With proper precautions and joint protection over the ensuing years, patients can expect to maintain an improved quality of life for a long time.

About Author:

Ravina Pandya, Content Writer, has a strong foothold in the market research industry. She specializes in writing well-researched articles from different industries, including food and beverages, information and technology, healthcare, chemical and materials, etc. (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ravina-pandya-1a3984191)