Guide to All Types of Knee Replacement

A Guide to All Types of Knee Replacements

Are you considering knee replacement surgery? If so, you are not alone.

The number of knee replacement surgeries in the United States has risen from 645,000 in 2011 to 790,000 in 2021. 

This surgery replaces the knee joint, aiming to reduce knee pain and improve function. If you are suffering from knee arthritis, this surgery may be long-term solution for your knee pain. 

Several factors are responsible for this increasing demand.

• An aging population leads to more age-related joint conditions, such as osteoarthritis.
• A higher prevalence of obesity. This is because excessive weight stresses the knee joints.
• Advances in medical technology and surgical techniques 

Latest Developments in Knee Replacement

In the last decade new advances have revolutionized joint replacement. Many knee replacements are robotic-assisted using minimally invasive techniques. This method leads to faster recovery, less pain, and a quicker return to activity.

Materials used in replacement knee joints have been developing in recent years. These lead to less complications after surgery. 

The type of knee replacement your surgeon recommends is dependent on your circumstances.

 In this article we’ll go through:

• The different surgical approaches
• Types of knee replacement joint
• What to expect during a knee surgery 

Types of Knee Replacement 

There are several types of knee replacement options available. Most differences occur from how much of the knee joint is replaced. Each has its own benefits. Certain patient populations may benefit from one surgery over the other. Continue reading to see which knee replacement type may be best for you.

Total Knee Replacement (TKR)

In this surgery, the surgeon uses an artificial implant to replace the entire knee joint. Patients who have extensive knee injury or severe arthritis usually undergo this treatment. 

Benefits of total knee replacement:

• Reduces pain and enhances the function of the injured knee joint.
• Improves mobility and fixes abnormalities.
• Modern prosthetics provide long-term solutions and last up to 15 to 20 years.

Total knee replacement may be for you if: 

• You suffer from rheumatoid arthritis or advanced osteoarthritis involving the whole knee.
• You have significant discomfort that prevents you from engaging in daily activities.
• You have attempted non-surgical measures and they have not provided relief.

Partial Knee Replacement

It is also known as unicompartmental knee replacement. It involves only replacing the affected area of the knee. This surgery may be an option if your arthritis is limited to one knee compartment. 

Benefits of partial knee replacement:

• A smaller incision leads to minimal tissue damage and less pain.
• Enables you to maintain more of your original knee structure and range of motion.
• Usually leads to quicker recoveries and shorter hospital stays.

Partial knee replacement may be for you if: 

• You have arthritis confined to a single knee compartment.
• You have undamaged ligaments and a decent range of motion.
• You are younger and more active individuals or in early stages of knee degeneration.

Minimally Invasive (Quad Sparing) Knee Replacements 

Surgeons refer to minimally invasive knee replacement as a quadriceps-sparing surgical procedure. It is a type of knee surgery that avoids severing the quadriceps tendon. It involves specialized tools and small incisions to decrease tissue disruption.

Benefits of minimally invasive knee replacements:

• A quicker recovery since there is less tissue damage and less postoperative pain.
• Reduced blood loss during surgery and smaller scarring.
• A faster return to physical therapy and regular activities.

Minimally invasive knee replacements are ideal if you: 

• Have minor knee deformities and a healthy quadriceps muscle.
• You are seeking a less invasive surgery and a quicker recovery.

How It Differs from Open Surgery

Quad-sparing surgery differs from traditional open surgery in several ways.

• Uses smaller cuts, preserving surrounding tissue.
• Allows for shorter hospital stays or outpatient care.
• Reduces postoperative pain and scarring.
• Promotes a faster rehabilitation process.
• Enables patients to regain normal function in a shorter time frame.

What About Robotic Knee Replacement?

Robotic-assisted knee replacement is a new surgical technique. This surgery uses robotic technology for greater precision.

Compared with traditional knee replacement benefits of robotic assisted knee replacement include: 

• Improved accuracy:  Robotic support ensures precise alignment of implants, improving long-term results.
• Reduced complications: This will lower the risk of side effects, such as implant failure or misalignment.
• Better Recovery:  Recovery is quicker with an earlier return to activity.

Disadvantages of robotic knee replacement include:

• Higher costs with the use of advanced technologies.
• Requires specialized centers with trained surgeons. This limits availability.
• Longer setup time before surgery compared to traditional methods.

Types of Replacement Knee Joints

You may be wondering what type of material will make up your new knee joint. There are several standard materials used. Ask your surgeon what type of material they use.

• Metal on Metal: These implants have metal femoral and tibial components. This provision provides strength and wear resistance. But, they may release metal ions into the blood, which could lead to complications.

• Metal on Plastic: It is the most common type. These implants have a metal femoral component and a plastic tibial component. They provide a smooth surface for movement and are durable and cost-effective.

• Ceramic on Ceramic: These implants have ceramic femoral and tibial components. It provides a wear-resistant, smooth surface. They break easily and can be noisy, but particles are unlikely to escape.

• Ceramic on Plastic: These implants combine a ceramic femoral component with a plastic tibial component. They provide durable and smooth movement. There is also a decreased risk of wear and tear compared to other varieties.

Other Materials Used In Knee Replacement

Bionic knee replacement is a new procedure that utilizes an advanced prosthetic knee. Bionic knees act as a “smart knee” with sensors and microprocessors. This allows the knee to replicate natural knee movements. Not everyone is a good candidate for bionic knee replacement. Those with serious knee injuries should discuss their options with their surgeon.

Cadaver knee replacements use knee components from a deceased individual.These are also called allograft knee transplants. Knee components such as ligaments, cartilage, or bone are implanted into the recipient. It is ideal for those with specific injuries. It is also used in conditions where biological tissues are more beneficial.

What to Expect in a Knee Replacement Surgery? 

Are you wondering what to expect in a knee replacement surgery? Below are the general steps of the procedure.

• The medical team sterilizes the surgical site. They also give you anesthetic.
• Your surgeon will access the knee joint. This occurs through an open incision or a small, minimally invasive incision. 
• Next, the surgeon will resect or remove the damaged knee parts. 
• The surgeon positions the new prosthetic parts.
• The surgeon closes the incision.
• The medical team transfers you to recovery.

Dr. Mehta’s Knee Replacement Guide can help you understand this process better. Or learn about what mistakes people make after knee replacement surgery.

In Summary

Knee replacement surgery is common surgery. Options include total knee replacement (TKR), partial knee replacement, or quad-sparing replacement.

Robotic assisted surgery is another tool. Using minimally invasive procedures, recoveries can be faster and less painful. 

Modern prosthetics last as long as 15-20 years. Replacement materials include standard, bionic, or cadaver material. Knee materials have different benefits for different populations. Many people have an improved quality of life after knee replacement.