Knee arthroplasty is also termed as knee replacement is a surgical procedure which is done to replace the weight-bearing surfaces of the knee joint to alleviate pain and the disability caused due to it. In simpler words, the knee joint which has been damaged due to various probable diseases is replaced with artificial parts i.e., prostheses. A normal knee functions as a hinge joint between the femur and the tibia and fibula. The surface where these bones come in contact with each other, worn-out over a period of time, mostly due to arthritis and/or any other conditions, which might result in excruciating pain and inflammation along with swelling in the knee joints. Knee arthroplasty is performed generally for osteoarthritis along with other knee diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis or any serious accidental damage to the knee joint. Patients, who suffer from severe deformity from trauma, advanced rheumatoid arthritis, and/or long-standing osteoarthritis, might undergo a surgery which is more complex and carry higher risk factor. A certain market study stated that, as of 2010, more than 600,000 total knee arthroplasties were performed each year in the United States alone. Presently, the global Knee arthroplasty market is booted by technologies such as 3D printed knee implants which is exclusively manufactured by the U.S. based medical company named ConforMIS.
Who are recommended for knee arthroplasty – A knee arthroplasty is quite an invasive surgery and hence is recommended if any of the alternate treatments such as physiotherapy or steroidal injections have not eliminated the pain of bettered the mobility. A total knee arthroplasty is suggested if…
…the knee pain is so chronic that it interferes with the quality of life and sleep.
…the pain, inflammation, swelling and stiffness in the knee joint and the mobility is disrupted.
…day-to-day tasks, such as shopping, bathing witness excruciating pain, and the dependency increases.
…the patient suffering is depressed due to the pain and lack of mobility.
Also, the orthopedic will assess if the patient’s body is well enough to cope with the major surgery and rehabilitation post the surgery. A few other causes of debilitating pain include cartilage defects, ligament tears and meniscus tears, and of these cases might also require knee arthroplasty.