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Knee Resurfacing Vs Knee Replacement Surgery

This page aims to help you make an informed decision between Knee Replacement and Knee Resurfacing. Knee resurfacing and knee replacement are common surgical procedures carried out by orthopaedic doctors when the knee joint is damaged. We understand that complex medical terms can sometimes be daunting, so we will break down these concepts into easy-to-understand language. So, let's demystify these terms and explore more about what each procedure entails, their pros and cons, recovery time, and when one might be more suitable than the other.

This page aims to help you make an informed decision between Knee Replacement ... Read More

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What is Knee Resurfacing?

Knee Resurfacing is a surgical procedure that doctors use to treat severe arthritis of the knee. Unlike total knee replacement, it only replaces or resurfaces the damaged part of the knee, preserving as much of your healthy bone and tissue as possible.

It can be a suitable treatment for conditions such as:

  • Osteoarthritis: A degenerative joint disease that wears away at the cushioning between the knee joints.
  • Rheumatoid arthritis: An autoimmune disorder causing inflammation in the joints.
  • Post-traumatic arthritis: Arthritis due to a severe knee injury.
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What Happens in Knee Resurfacing?

Here’s a brief overview of what happens in Knee Resurfacing:

Evaluation: Your doctor assesses your knee’s condition, considering factors like age, weight, and activity level.

1) Anaesthesia: You’ll be given either general anaesthesia (you’ll sleep through the surgery) or spinal/epidural anaesthesia (numbs you below the waist).

2) Procedure: The doctor removes damaged bone and cartilage from your knee joint and replaces it with an artificial joint made of metal and plastic.

3) Recovery: You’ll remain in the hospital for a few days post-surgery and will need physiotherapy to regain strength and mobility.

Who is the Right Candidate for Knee Resurfacing?

Here are some key criteria of a suitable candidate for Knee Resurfacing:

1) If you’re under 65 years of age.

2) The pain is confined to one area of your knee.

3) The knee joint has enough healthy bone and cartilage structure.

4) You have a healthy body weight.

5) You have an active lifestyle, but it’s being hindered by knee pain.

Remember, your doctor would decide based on your specific condition.

Benefits of Knee Resurfacing

Here are some advantages of Knee Resurfacing:

  • Faster recovery: Compared to total knee replacement, resurfacing allows for a quicker recovery period, enabling you to return to your daily activities sooner.
  • Less pain and discomfort: Post-surgery discomfort is significantly less as only the damaged parts of the knee are replaced.
  • Preservation of natural knee structure: The procedure retains as much of your natural knee structure as possible, resulting in more natural movement post-surgery.
  • Fewer complications: Knee Resurfacing has lower rates of medical complications than total knee replacement.
  • Improved quality of life: Most importantly, the procedure helps reduce pain and improve mobility, significantly enhancing your quality of life.

However, like any medical procedure, there are potential downsides:

  • It may not relieve all pain if arthritis affects other parts of your knee.
  • The prosthetics might wear out over time, necessitating further surgery.
  • As with all surgeries, there’s a slight risk of complications like infection or blood clots.

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What is Knee Replacement?

Knee Replacement, also known as knee arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure done to replace the weight-bearing surfaces of the knee joint, mainly to relieve pain and disability. Knee problems are often caused by arthritis, fractures, tears, and other conditions that make movement painful.

The operation may be recommended if:

  • Your knee pain interferes with your daily activities, like walking or getting up from a chair.
  • You have moderate to severe pain even while resting.
  • The knee inflammation doesn’t improve with medication or rest.
  • You’re experiencing significant stiffness in the knee, which limits flexibility and mobility.

What Happens in Knee Replacement?

In knee replacement, also known as knee arthroplasty, your damaged knee joint is replaced with an artificial one. It usually involves:

1) Administration of anaesthesia: To ensure you don’t feel pain during the operation.

2) Removal of damaged cartilage: The doctor surgically removes the damaged joint surface at the ends of your thigh bone and shin bone.

3) Insertion of the artificial joint: The removed parts are replaced with metal and plastic components that mimic the natural knee movement.

4) Post-surgery care: You’ll wake up in the recovery room and start rehabilitation soon after to regain knee function.

Who is the right candidate for knee replacement?

Most suitable candidates often experience severe knee pain that limits everyday activities, such as:

1) Walking or climbing stairs

2) Sitting or lying down

3) Experiencing chronic knee inflammation and swelling that doesn’t improve with rest or medications.

Candidates may also have moderate or severe knee pain while resting, either day or night. If you’ve tried other treatments like physiotherapy or pain medications and they haven’t provided sufficient relief, then you might be a suitable prospect for this valuable operation.

Benefits of Knee Replacement

Here’s how a knee replacement can help:

  • Pain Relief: This is the primary benefit. Post-surgery, most patients experience significant, and often total, relief from their knee pain.
  • Improved Mobility: The weariness, stiffness and discomfort that come with every step could become a thing of the past.
  • Enhanced Life Quality: With less pain and increased mobility, you’ll find everyday tasks easier to accomplish and enjoy a more active lifestyle.
  • Better Sleep: No more sleepless nights due to discomfort or pain.

A Comparative Study: Knee Resurfacing vs. Knee Replacement

Here is a comparitive study of knee resurfacing and knee replacement in terms of several factors:

 

Factors Knee Resurfacing Knee Replacement
Surgical Approach Involves only replacing or repairing the damaged surface of the knee joint, leaving the healthy parts untouched. Involves removing and replacing the entire knee joint with an artificial one.
Recovery Time Typically shorter as the surgery is less invasive. May take longer as it’s a major surgery.
Long-term Outcomes As less bone is removed, natural knee function can often be maintained. Provides long-lasting relief from severe knee pain but might limit certain high-impact activities.
Potential Risks Lower risk as less of the healthy joint is disturbed, but there’s a possibility of needing further surgery in the future. Higher risk due to its invasive nature. Potential complications include infection and blood clots.
Suitability Generally better for younger patients with partial knee arthritis. More suitable for older patients with advanced arthritis or when other treatments fail.

Which is Better for You - Knee Replacement or Knee Resurfacing?

Navigating through the myriad of healthcare options can be bewildering. When it comes to deciding between knee replacement and knee resurfacing, it’s no different. Here are a few key factors you should consider:

  • Age: Knee Resurfacing tends to be more suitable for younger patients since the original bone is preserved, prolonging the need for a replacement.
  • Health Condition: If you have severe arthritis or other chronic conditions, knee replacement might be the safer choice, as resurfacing could lead to complications.
  • Lifestyle Needs: If you are active and enjoy sports, resurfacing might allow you to maintain that lifestyle without the restrictions that might come with a full knee replacement.
  • Advice from Healthcare Professionals: Your family doctor or orthopaedic surgeon will be able to provide personalised advice based on their knowledge of your health history.

Remember, it’s not about which procedure is ‘better’, but rather about which one is better suited to you.

FAQ

What is a knee replacement surgery?

Knee replacement, also known as knee arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure where the damaged parts of the knee joint are replaced with artificial parts.

What does knee resurfacing involve?

In knee resurfacing, only the surface of the bones is reshaped and replaced with new surfaces to create a smoother, more natural movement in the knee.

How do knee resurfacing and knee replacement work together?

A blend of both techniques aims to provide a more personalised treatment plan for patients. Your doctor will assess your condition and decide on the best combination of both procedures for optimal results.

Is knee resurfacing better than knee replacement?

Knee resurfacing, or partial knee replacement, is less invasive than total knee replacement, preserving more of the knee’s natural structure. It’s often better for patients with damage confined to a specific knee compartment. Total knee replacement is generally preferred for more extensive joint damage.

What is the success rate of knee resurfacing?

The success rate of knee resurfacing is generally high, with around 85-90% of patients experiencing significant pain relief and improved function. However, long-term success can vary based on factors like patient activity level and the extent of knee damage.

What is the success rate of knee replacement?

The success rate of knee replacement is about 90-95%, with most patients experiencing significant pain relief and improved mobility. These benefits typically last 15-20 years or more, depending on patient factors and implant quality.