Knee Replacement
Surgery In Kurnool

What is Knee Replacement Surgery?

A knee replacement surgery involves the removal of the damaged part of the knee and replacing it with an artificial metal joint. Dr. Y. Hari Prasad Reddy M.S.(Ortho), a renowned knee replacement surgeon based in Kurnool, specializes in performing such surgeries. Before the operation, the surgeon will diagnose the patient's condition and decide whether a total or partial knee replacement is necessary.

One of the main advantages of arthroscopy over traditional open surgery is that the joint is not completely exposed. Under arthroscopy, only two small incisions are made to insert the arthroscope and other surgical instruments used in the knee cavity or shoulder joint for repair and reconstruction. This results in decreased trauma to the connective tissue and increases the chances of surgical success, as well as reduces the healing and recovery time.

Let’s first look at the knee

The knee joint is not only the largest but also one of the most intricate joints in the body. It is often referred to as the point of convergence between the femur (thigh bone) and the shin bone, facilitating movement in the body. The knee joint is composed of the following components:

1. Anterior and posterior ligaments
2. Bones - femur, tibia, and patella (knee cap)
3. Cartilage covering the surface of the joint to ensure smooth movement
4. Tendons
5. A lubricating fluid-secreting sac positioned between the femur and the tibia, which cushions them and enables smooth joint movement.

However, due to various reasons, the joint may become dry, leading to persistent pain while moving. This pain may intensify during even the slightest movement, making walking difficult. In such a scenario, lubrication becomes essential to ensure smooth joint functioning.

What causes knee joint pains?

There are several factors that can contribute to joint pain, and the following are some of the most common conditions that may require knee replacement surgery:

1. Obesity - Excess weight can put significant pressure on the knees, leading to stiffness, inflammation, and damage to the knee cartilage. This can eventually result in the need for knee replacement surgery.
2. Osteoarthritis - This age-related condition causes the knee cartilage to wear off with age, causing the bones to rub against each other. Pain and stiffness are common symptoms that often affect people over the age of 50, and if left untreated, it can result in complete cartilage damage and the need for knee replacement surgery.
3. Rheumatoid arthritis - This autoimmune condition can affect any part of the body, but bones are often the most affected. The articular cartilage completely wears off and causes pain, stiffness, and extreme inflammation, leading to swelling around the knee joint.
4. Trauma - Serious injuries such as fractures can cause damage to the tendons and ligaments in the knee joint, eventually leading to severe cartilage damage, pain, and stiffness, and the need for knee replacement surgery.

While every treatment has its pros and cons, surgical procedures like knee replacement surgery may involve some pain but can provide relief from chronic knee pain.