Is the Patella Removed in a Total Knee Replacement?
Is the Patella Removed in a Total Knee Replacement? When people face knee problems they often turn to surgery. A common fix is total knee replacement. In this surgery doctors look at every part of the knee. One key part is the patella or kneecap. This piece plays a big role in how your knee moves.
Some may think that getting a new knee means taking out the old parts. The truth can be more complex than just remove and replace. It’s not always clear if the patella stays or goes during this kind of operation. That decision depends on many things like health and what’s best for movement later on.
Patients want to know about their surgeries beforehand which makes sense! Knowing what will happen helps you get ready for it all – both mind and body. When we talk about replacing knees understanding each step matters to those who need it done.
Understanding Total Knee Replacement
Total knee replacement is a surgery many people get each year. It helps those with bad knee pain or poor movement. The goal is to let patients walk and move better. During this surgery doctors fix the damaged parts of the knee joint. They strive to give you back a good quality of life.
The patella is one key part in the mix during this operation. Some think it’s always taken out but that’s not true for every case. Surgeons look at your own situation before they decide. If they keep your patella they may just smooth it so it works like new again.
In total knee replacement other pieces of the joint are removed too. Doctors put in new parts that act like your real knee did when it was healthy. This lets you move without the pain that bothered you before surgery.
After getting this type of surgery most feel less pain and can do more things on their own again! They find joy in being able to play with kids or go for walks without hurting much afterward!
The Role of the Patella
The patella, or kneecap, is more than just a small bone in your knee. It’s vital for how you move each day. When you walk or bend your leg the patella moves too. It slides over other bones in the knee joint. This helps protect them and gives strength to your leg muscles.
In total knee replacement surgery doctors think hard about the patella’s role. They know it must work well with new parts they put in during surgery. A smooth action between the patella and these parts is key for a good outcome. Without it even simple actions can become hard.
The stability of your whole leg depends on a healthy kneecap as well. If it’s not set right after an operation balance can be off when you stand or move around! That’s why its position and health are checked before any decision on removal is made.
When surgeons plan a total knee replacement they weigh up many things about this small but mighty bone! Keeping or taking out the patella changes how rehab will go afterward! Every step must help bring back easy movement without pain for patients who have been through so much already.
Patellar Resurfacing vs. Removal
When it comes to total knee replacement there are two main paths for handling the patella. The first option is patellar resurfacing. In this process surgeons cover the underside of your kneecap with a new smooth surface. This aims to make your knee move better and hurt less.
Patellar removal is the second choice in some surgeries. Here doctors take out the whole kneecap if it’s too damaged or diseased. They replace it with an artificial piece that works like your own did before you had pain or problems moving.
Each way has its own good points and things to think about hard! Resurfacing can mean a quicker fix and keep more of your natural knee parts intact! But sometimes removal gives a better fit with other new pieces put in during surgery! Doctors always look at what will give you back as much movement as possible without any pain when they choose which way to go for each person’s total knee replacement surgery!
Frequently Asked Questions
Does total knee replacement always involve patella removal?
No it's not a given that your kneecap will be taken out. The choice depends on many factors like how damaged it is and what's best for your leg after surgery.
What are the main reasons to keep the patella during surgery?
Surgeons may choose to keep it if they think resurfacing will work better for you. They look at things like how well it can move with other parts and overall knee health.
How do doctors decide between resurfacing and removing my kneecap?
Doctors consider your age, activity level, and pain. They also check how worn or hurt your patella is before making this big decision.
Please remember these answers are for informational purposes only and do not make up medical advice.
