The capability to move and perform daily tasks efficiently lays the foundation of a healthy life. From the macro to the micro level, the health of every single cell in the body is crucial, but joints are of great significance in terms of their function. A joint is a connection between two or more bones and lies at several prominent sites of the body. Specifically, the movement, stability, and flexibility of the body depend upon the joint’s health. Knee joints are worthy of attention because they are weight-bearing joints and provide a wide range of movements. They act as health indicators up to some extent. Complications to the knee joint can transform into severe medical conditions directly or indirectly. The most common and preferable knee replacement surgery includes surgical procedures. Let us discuss the knee joint treatment and the significant knee joint surgery types in detail.
Knee Joint
The knee joint is one of the most intricate joints in the body. It holds the weight of the body in standing position as well as in walking. Moreover, it is capable of protecting the body from shock because it absorbs and distributes the forces from the ground exerted through the feet intact. All these functions explain the significance of knee joint health. Medical conditions related to knee joints can badly damage the overall stability and flexibility of the body.
The most common complications of knee joints include fractures, dislocations, tendinitis, and more. The majority of knee joint conditions are more likely to be treated through surgery, which can be an instant solution with long-lasting health benefits.
Types of Knee Joint Surgery
There is great versatility in knee joint surgery concerning the use of techniques, the nature of the medical condition and the patient’s overall health conditions. Here is an overview of the major types of knee joint surgery.
Total Knee Replacement
As it is evident from the name, total knee replacement surgery involves a complete replacement of the knee. It is performed when the knee is wholly damaged or diseased and is known as complete arthroplasty. An Orthopedic Surgeon imparts an artificial component made of metal or plastic known as a prostheses. The basic objective of surgery is to remove pain, discomfort and difficulty in standing or walking. Hence, patients who have severe arthritis, knee injuries or feeling pain and restricted mobility are more likely to have the surgery.
Partial Knee Replacement
If the patient’s knee is partially damaged or diseased, the least invasive option is Partial Knee Replacement, a surgical procedure in which surgeons replace only an exact portion of the knee joint with artificial components.
Hence, this type of knee replacement surgery is preferable when the patient feels moderate restriction in movement, mild pain, and knee ligaments are considerably intact. Partial knee replacement causes fewer incisions, resulting in fast recovery and the slightest discomfort. Moreover, it gives a more natural knee feel due to the preservation of natural components in a high percentage.
Knee Arthroscopy
Knee arthroscopy can resolve knee joint issues like torn meniscus, misaligned patella and damaged cartilage. It is a surgical technique in which surgeons use a camera to see inside the joint and adjust the issue. Moreover, when inserting a camera, small incisions work and aid in fast recovery.
Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
The knee joint consists of four major ligaments, bands of tissues that connect different bones. An anterior cruciate ligament is one of these ligaments. Any damage to these tissues can cause severe pain and issues with mobility. The type of knee surgery to repair the anterior ligament is called anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. It is typically linked to sports but can disrupt daily activities. Hence, the key benefits of ACL include less recovery time and less execution time.
Posterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
The posterior cruciate ligament lies behind the anterior cruciate ligament and is responsible for the way the knee moves front to back. Hence, a torn or sprained posterior cruciate ligament can cause difficulty in this movement pattern and high pain. Posterior Cruciate ligament reconstruction is the surgical procedure for reconstructing PCL.
Osteotomy
It is a part of knee joint surgery types as a solution for unaligned knee joints. Surgeons cut a part of bone and reshape it to realign the joint. Consequently, it reduces the pressure on the damaged or diseased area of the joint. It is of great help in reducing the symptoms of arthritis and, in some cases, delaying the process of total knee replacement.
Meniscus Repair
The meniscus is a rubbery disc that is C-shaped. It lubricates the joint and protects it from external shock. A torn meniscus causes severe pain and swelling and may lead to extensive damage to the knee joint. Meniscus repair is a surgical procedure that helps to recover the meniscus’s structure and, hence, function.
Microfracture Surgery
Microfracture surgery can repair the interior damaged cartilage of a knee joint. After diagnosing the issue, surgeons remove the stable cartilage from the exposed bone. Furthermore, they make microfractures to the bone at intervals of three to four millimetres. Blood and bone marrow cells unite to produce a clot from the pores in the exposed bone, covering and cushioning the damaged area and generating new tissue. First, by creating a rough surface on the bone, the microfracture method makes it easier for the clot to stick. Nevertheless, the clot gradually develops into a more vital repair tissue, producing a surface that is smoother and more durable.
Plica Removal
At the initial stages of development, the knee appears in two sections or compartments. Over time, these sections fuse, resulting in the elimination of the divider. However, if some tissues of the divider do not disappear for any reason, this remnant is called plica. If it gets infected or creates some irritation, its removal is significantly crucial to relieve pain and hindrance in movement. Plica removal or plica excision is the type of knee joint surgery that helps to remove plica.
Meniscectomy
There is a chance that the meniscus appears unrepairable due to limited blood supply. In this condition, the only way is to remove a part of the meniscus, causing pain and other difficulties. Meniscectomy is the surgical option to remove meniscus.
Wrapping Up – Types of Knee Replacement Surgery
To sum up, joints are crucial parts of the skeletal system that perform numerous functions. Among all the joints, the performance of weight-bearing joints is noteworthy. The knee joint is the weight-bearing joint that not only assists in stability and mobility but is also detrimental to overall health conditions. Any damage to the knee joint or any disease may lead to great interruption in performing daily tasks and lowering the quality of life. With the advancement of medical science, various knee joint surgery types can prevent complications.
Furthermore, these surgeries include total and partial knee replacement, osteotomy, and ligament correction surgeries. Moreover, knee arthroscopy and plica removal can aid in resolving issues of pain, swelling, and damaged cartilage. While these procedures improve mobility and relieve discomfort, the cost of knee replacement surgery varies based on the specific treatment, medical facility, and implant quality. Hence, all these surgical procedures are helpful in getting rid of knee joint disorders and living an easy and active life.
