Knee replacement surgery, also known as knee arthroplasty, is a procedure that involves removing the worn-out knee’s damaged cartilage weight-bearing surfaces and replacing them with a metal and plastic prosthetic.
How can you know if a knee replacement is necessary in the first place? You and your doctor will evaluate a number of factors when deciding if (or when) joint replacement is right for you. These factors include your X-ray or MRI results, pain level, physical function, personal health history, and BMI.
Here are some guidelines to help you analyze if it is the right time for you to consider knee replacement surgery.
1. You suffer from severe arthritis
The majority of persons who have a knee replacement have either osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or post-injury arthritis. While osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and posttraumatic arthritis all impact the knee in different ways, they all end in the deterioration of cartilage, which causes pain and limited mobility. Knee replacement surgery, which replaces the worn-out surfaces of the knee, may provide significant relief if these symptoms become severe.
2. Nonsurgical procedures no longer work
If you have knee arthritis, you’ll likely start with more conservative treatments like medicines, steroid injections, or physical therapy. However, they may be insufficient at some point. Anti-inflammatories, injections, and physical therapy provide pain relief temporarily, but they do not address the underlying source of the pain or allow cartilage to repair. As these arthritic problems worsen, these treatments become increasingly ineffective. Surgery might be an option at that point.
3. Pain interferes normal activities
You may be a suitable candidate for surgery if conservative treatments have failed and you are experiencing substantial discomfort while walking and if pain is interfering with your daily life.
4. Swollen knee
Another indicator that your knee is not responding to other treatments is swelling. A consistently swollen knee despite anti-inflammatory drugs, steroid injections, and physical therapy suggests cartilage deterioration. It is better to consider knee replacement surgery in this case.
5. Knee deformity
If you have advanced arthritis, it can impact the way you walk, which can lead to other problems in your body. The knee may become bent or ‘knock-kneed’. A knee replacement may be necessary if this type of deformity develops over time.
6. Age
Knee replacement is most commonly performed on adults over the age of 50, because younger people’s more active lives may put excessive stress on the artificial knee, leading it to wear out faster. The surgery can be performed on people of all ages, depending on their specific circumstances, so talk to your doctor to see whether you’re a good candidate.
If you identify with any of the following and believe you are ready to resume your favourite activities with a knee replacement surgery, please contact our experts. For more information contact us.