If your knee is severely affected by osteoarthritis, and pain and reduced function limit your daily activities, a knee replacement may be an option. During the surgery, the worn joint surfaces are completely or partially replaced with a prosthesis. Whether you would benefit from a total or partial knee replacement depends, among other things, on where in the knee the changes are located and how extensive they are.
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Osteoarthritis of the knee typically develops over a long period of time. The cartilage and other structures in the knee joint undergo changes, which can cause pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion. For some people, the pain eventually becomes so severe that it affects their ability to walk, perform daily activities, or sleep at night.
Knee replacement surgery is usually considered only when other treatments do not provide sufficient relief. These may include exercise, adjusting your activities, weight loss (if applicable), and pain management. The need for surgery is determined based on a comprehensive evaluation of your symptoms, your functional ability, and the changes in your knee.
The purpose of a knee replacement is to reduce pain and improve knee function. Results vary from person to person, and surgery cannot guarantee that all pain will disappear.
There are different types of knee replacements. The choice depends mainly on how much of the knee joint is affected.
A partial knee replacement is also known as a unicompartmental knee replacement. It may be an option when osteoarthritis is clearly limited to one part of the knee joint, while the rest of the joint is sufficiently intact.
During the surgery, only the worn-out part of the joint is replaced. This requires that the condition of the knee be suitable for this type of treatment. The specialist therefore assesses, among other things, the location of the wear and tear, as well as how the knee functions and is stabilized.
A total knee replacement is typically performed when osteoarthritis has spread more extensively throughout the knee joint. During the surgery, the damaged joint surfaces are replaced with prosthetic components that together form the new joint.
Dentures are typically made of metal and plastic. The specific type of denture and the method used to secure it are determined based on an individual surgical assessment.
Before surgery
Before any surgery, the specialist will examine your knee and talk with you about your pain, range of motion, activity level, and how your knee problems affect your daily life. Imaging tests, typically X-rays, may be part of the assessment of the signs of wear and tear.
Based on the overall assessment, the specialist determines whether a knee replacement is the appropriate treatment and whether a total or partial replacement is most appropriate.
You will receive information about how to prepare for the surgery and about the specific details of your treatment plan.
During the operation
The surgery can be performed under general anesthesia or spinal anesthesia. The surgeon gains access to the knee joint through an incision at the front of the knee and removes the damaged joint surfaces, which will be replaced.
In a partial knee replacement, only the specific part of the joint that is worn is treated. In a total knee replacement, the joint surfaces are replaced more extensively. The prosthetic components are adapted to the bone and secured in place, after which the incision is closed.
After surgery
After surgery, pain management, movement, and rehabilitation are important parts of the recovery process. You will usually be encouraged to start walking and moving your knee soon after surgery. How quickly you recover varies from person to person and depends, among other things, on your initial condition and the extent of the surgery.
Rehabilitation focuses on regaining mobility, strength, and function. It is important to follow the instructions regarding activity and exercise that you receive as part of your treatment.
The primary goal of the surgery is to reduce pain and make it easier to use the knee in daily life. For most people, improvement occurs gradually during the postoperative period, and exercise plays a significant role in this process.
An artificial knee is not the same as a natural knee, and your ability to be active after surgery depends on factors such as your functional ability, your overall health, and the type of prosthesis you have received. You will therefore receive personalized advice regarding physical activity and rehabilitation.
Knee replacement surgery is a major surgical procedure. As with other major surgeries, there is a risk of complications. These may include infection, blood clots, or problems with the prosthesis, such as wear and tear or loosening over time.
Before the surgery, the doctor will review the relevant risks with you and assess your overall health. This will allow you to make an informed decision about the surgery.
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