Total Knee Replacement Surgery

What is Total Knee Replacement?

Total knee replacement, also known as total knee arthroplasty surgery or full knee replacement surgery is a transformative surgical procedure that involves replacing your damaged knee joint with a prosthetic implant. The surgery aims at removing the damaged parts of the knee joint such as the bone and cartilage and replacing them with artificial and durable materials such as metal and plastic to restore the normal function of your knee. 

The decision to undergo a total knee replacement or a complete knee replacement is made when conservative treatment methods such as medications or physical therapy have proven to be ineffective in managing symptoms such as chronic knee pain and disability. 

Watch A Comprehensive Guide On Total Knee Replacement Procedure and Post Operative Care From Medfin Doctor

Anatomy of the Knee

The knee joint is a synovial joint (a joint cavity filled with fluid) that connects your thighs to your lower leg. Here, the thigh bone (femur) connects to the shin bone (tibia). Therefore, any movement that involves your legs relies on your knees. This includes walking, running, jumping, etc. Other than bones your knee joints also consist of cartilage (strong connective tissue that protects the joints), ligaments (tissues that connect bone to bone), tendons (tissues that connect muscle to bone), and muscles. 

Your knee is made of:

• Bones: Femur (thigh bone), Tibia (shin bone), Patella (kneecap)
• Cartilage: Hyaline cartilage, Fibrocartilage
• Ligaments: Collateral ligaments (medial and lateral), Anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments (ACL, PCL)
• Tendons: Quadriceps and Patellar tendons
• Muscles: Quadriceps, Hamstrings

Understanding the anatomy of the knee is important for diagnosing and treating various knee injuries and conditions. Injuries to ligaments, tendons, or cartilage can impact the function and stability of the knee joint.

What are the Types of Total Knee Replacement or TKR Surgery?

Total knee replacement can be of different types. Your surgeon will choose the type based on your specific needs. During the pre-operative discussion, your doctor will explain the type of procedure that is most appropriate for your knee along with the steps involved. Here are the types of TKR surgery. 

Traditional TKR Surgery 

This method is an open surgery where the damaged knee joint is accessed through a single long incision made in front of the knee. Once the surgeon gains access to the knee joint the damaged bone surfaces are removed using surgical instruments. It is then replaced with prosthetic components typically made of metal (Cobalt-chromium alloy, Titanium alloy) and plastic.

Minimally Invasive Surgery

This technique as the name suggests is less invasive when compared to a traditional surgery. While the method is different, the implants used remain the same. Here the surgeon makes 2 to 3 small incisions over the knee to access the damaged knee joint. This method holds certain advantages of minimal disruption to the surrounding tissues, less post-operative pain, and a faster recovery. It is also important to note that not all individuals are candidates for this procedure and your eligibility will be decided based on factors such as the severity of arthritis and your overall health. 

Types of Knee Implants Used

There are 4 main types of knee implants based on the material:

1. Metal on plastic implants: This is the most common and least expensive type of implant. It comprises metal (cobalt-chromium alloy or titanium) for femoral and tibial components, with a polyethylene spacer. 

2. Ceramic on plastic: This type is commonly used for individuals with nickel sensitivity. It features ceramic components (femoral or tibial) paired with a polyethylene spacer. 

3. Ceramic on ceramic: Here both the tibial and femoral components are made up of ceramic. It is often chosen for young and more active individuals due to its durability. 

4. Metal on metal: Here both the tibial and femoral components are made up of metal. This type is often recommended for young individuals due to its durability. 

Total v/s Partial Knee Replacement

The cost of total knee replacement (TKR) surgery can range between ₹136000 to ₹340000. However, the cost of total knee replacement (TKR) surgery can vary depending on several factors such as the surgeon's experience and expertise, the complexity of the procedure, the type of anesthesia used, the facility fees, any additional tests or medications required, and insurance coverage. To know more, please contact a Medfin expert.