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Knee Replacement

This page will provide you with information about total knee replacement. For further details, please speak to your consultant.

What is arthritis?

Arthritis is a collection of conditions which can cause damage to one or more joints.

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis, resulting in the gradual wear and tear of joints.

Inflammation of the joints is associated with some types of arthritis and causes pain and stiffness as it eventually wears away the normal cartilage covering the surface of the joint. The bone underneath then becomes damaged.

What are the benefits of surgery?

A successful knee replacement should result in less pain and walking should be easier.

What are the alternatives to a total knee replacement?

Anti-inflammatory painkillers (ibuprofen) and painkillers such as paracetamol can help control the pain.

Including supplements in your diet may also help to alleviate symptoms, but you should always check with your GP before taking them.

An elastic support worn around the knee can increase the feeling of stability and a walking stick can aid walking.

Moderate exercise on a regular basis can help to lessen stiffness in your knee.

Pain and stiffness can sometimes be reduced by a steroid injection into the knee joint.

As your arthritis worsens, these measures will become less effective.

Patello-femoral and unicompartmental knee replacements are partial knee replacements which are available for patients with osteoarthritis that is limited to just one part of the knee.

What will happen during the operation?

The operation usually takes between an hour and an hour and a half and many anaesthetic techniques are possible.

Your surgeon will remove the damaged joint surfaces via an incision on the front of your knee. They will be replaced with an artificial knee joint which is made from metal, plastic or a combination of the two.

Figure 1
Typical knee replacement joint
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The special coating or acrylic cement on the artificial knee allows it to bond directly to the bone.

Risks and complications

Any risks or complications will be discussed in advance of your treatment with your expert consultant.

Recovery

You can usually go home three to seven days after the procedure but you will require walking sticks or crutches for several weeks.

You should be able to return to normal activities and regular exercise. However, ask your GP or health care professional for advice before you start an exercise regime.

Generally most people make a good recovery, experience less pain and find it easier to get around.

As an artificial knee is never quite the same as a normal knee; kneeling down is not recommended and is usually uncomfortable.

Please keep in mind that you may find that your knee replacement wears out with time.

Summary

Occasionally, arthritis of the knee is the result of rheumatoid arthritis or a previous knee injury.

Arthritis generally occurs without a known cause. A knee replacement should reduce your pain and help you walk more easily if you suffer severe pain, stiffness and disability due to arthritis.

 

References:

EIDO Healthcare Limited – The operation and treatment information on this website is produced using information from EIDO Healthcare Ltd and is licensed by Aspen Healthcare.

The information should not replace advice that your relevant health professional would give you.

Knee Replacement Consultants

For assistance call us on: 020 8971 8000 Email us

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