What Are the Different Types of Knee Replacements?
What Are the Different Types of Knee Replacements? Getting a knee replacement can be a big step. It’s important to know your options. There are several types of knee replacements used today. Each type has its own benefits and uses.
Doctors have found ways to help people with bad knees. New methods give better results than old ones do. People can now choose from more kinds of knee surgery.
When you think about getting this done talk to your doctor first. Your doctor will tell you which kind is right for you. They will use their skill to find the best plan for your health needs.
Traditional Total Knee Replacement
Traditional total knee replacement is the most common type. It has been done for many years. In this surgery doctors replace the whole knee joint with a new part. This can help when all parts of the knee are bad.
People choose traditional knee replacement because it’s tried and true. Doctors know it well and have used it to help lots of people. If your whole knee hurts this option might be best for you. This kind of surgery can make day-to-day life better for many.
The way they do total knee replacements hasn’t changed much over time. Surgeons take out the damaged bone and cartilage from your thigh bone, shinbone, and kneecap. Then they put in new metal and plastic parts where these were taken away.
After getting a total knee joint replacement you will need time to heal up right. You may stay in bed at first but soon will start walking with help from a nurse or tool like crutches or a walker. Many find that after healing their pain is gone or much less than before.
Partial Knee Replacement
Partial knee replacement is a choice for some not all. It’s less invasive than full replacements. This means the surgery focuses on just one part of the knee. Only the damaged area gets replaced which can be better for healing.
Doctors call this type ‘unicompartmental’ because it targets one specific section. If your knee damage is limited to one area this might be for you. It spares more of your natural knee and often leads to a quicker recovery.
Many find that partial knee replacement feels more natural after surgery. Because most of your own knee remains untouched it moves like it used to before hurting started happening. People can usually go back home soon after and get back into their normal lives faster too.
Yet not everyone will fit this surgery option well; it depends on how much damage there is and where it’s at in your knee joint. Make sure you talk with a doctor about what kind fits best for you – they know lots about different types of surgeries available today! They’ll ask questions look at scans of your knees and work out if partial or another method could help most.
Kneecap Replacement
Kneecap replacement is not as well-known as other types. It’s a special surgery just for the kneecap. This type helps if only your kneecap is hurt and the rest of your knee is okay. It’s also known as patellofemoral joint replacement.
This surgery can be a good way to fix pain in the front of your knee. When you bend or climb that’s where you might feel it most. Patellar resurfacing takes out the damaged part and puts in a new one made from strong stuff like metal or plastic.
Recovery from this kind of knee surgery may not take too long. You’ll work with folks who help people walk again after operations like these – they’re called physical therapists. With their help you’ll learn how to use your new kneecap right away so you can get back on track fast!
Revision Knee Replacement
Revision knee replacement is a complex procedure. It’s needed when an initial knee surgery doesn’t work out as hoped. This can happen for many reasons like wear over time or infection. The redo of the surgery aims to correct these issues and restore function.
In revision knee surgery surgeons remove old parts of the first implant. They then replace them with new ones designed to fit better and last longer. This type of operation requires great skill because it’s more complicated than the original surgery.
Patients should know that recovery from a revision can take longer. There might be more steps in getting back on your feet due to the complexity of this redo procedure. But with patience and good care improvement is possible.
Not everyone will need a failed knee replacement fixed up again though! Some people do fine for years without any major problems after their first surgery. However, if pain returns or mobility decreases sharply, it could signal that something has gone wrong inside.
It’s vital to check in with your doctor regularly after knee replacement operations. If there are signs that things aren’t right they’ll help you decide if a revision is necessary or not based on what they find during exams and tests like X-rays or MRIs which look at bones closely.
Robotic-Assisted Knee Replacement
Robotic-assisted knee replacement is cutting-edge in the medical world. It uses advanced robots to help surgeons with operations. This technology makes surgery very precise which can improve how well it works.
The robot helps by guiding the surgeon during the procedure. It follows a plan made from scans of your own knee before surgery. This way every cut and fit is just right for you.
Using robots can lead to better results and a faster recovery time for patients. The accuracy they bring means less harm to muscles and tissues around the knee joint. So people often get back on their feet quicker than with traditional methods.
Computer-assisted knee replacement also lets doctors plan out surgeries in great detail ahead of time. They use computer models to see how everything should go together best for each person’s unique body shape and size.
People are finding that after robotic knee surgery they have more natural movement in their knees compared to older types of replacements too! With these new options available today we’ve come a long way in helping those who need new knees find relief from pain and get moving again with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the average recovery time for knee replacement surgery?
A: Recovery can vary but generally it takes about 6 weeks to return to normal daily activities.
Q: Can I drive after having knee replacement surgery?
A: You should not drive until your doctor says it’s okay which is usually around 4-6 weeks post-op.
Q: How long do artificial knees last?
A: Most artificial knee joints will last between 15 and 20 years depending on use and care.
Please note that these answers are for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional for advice tailored to your individual circumstances.
