Our Services
Knee Replacement (Arthroplasty)
In advanced stages, knee pain is more than mere discomfort; it’s a debilitating limitation. This pain can disrupt sleep, turn walking at home into a challenge, and prevent patients from participating in simple social activities. Many people endure this pain for years.
However, progressive joint degeneration can result in the complete loss of articular cartilage, creating a painful state of bone-on-bone friction. At this stage, conservative treatments no longer provide relief. This is where knee replacement surgery proves itself as a landmark achievement in modern medicine, providing a definitive resolution for pain and a proven pathway to restored quality of life.
What is a Knee Replacement exactly?
Contrary to common belief, the entire knee joint is not removed in this surgery. It is essentially a precise resurfacing procedure. The orthopedic surgeon meticulously removes the damaged and worn cartilage surfaces from the end of the femur (thighbone) and the top of the tibia (shin bone).
These surfaces are then replaced with artificial components called prostheses made from highly durable metal alloys. These prostheses precisely mimic the shape of the bone ends. A durable, smooth plastic spacer is inserted between the two metal components, functioning like the healthy cartilage that was lost, enabling comfortable, pain-free movement.
Who is a good Candidate for Knee Replacement?
The decision for knee replacement surgery depends more on the degree of pain and disability than on the patient’s age.
A good candidate for this surgery is someone who:
- Experiences severe pain that interferes with simple daily activities like walking, shopping, or climbing stairs
- Has knee pain that persists even at rest or during the night (while sleeping)
- Has developed knee deformity, such as severe bowing or knock-knees
- Has tried all other treatments like medication, physiotherapy, and injections without success in pain reduction
This surgery is typically performed on people over 60, but it’s also applicable for younger patients who have joint destruction due to rheumatoid arthritis or severe injuries.
Knee Replacement procedure
Preparation for surgery begins weeks in advance with comprehensive blood tests, ECG, and general health assessment. On surgery day, the patient undergoes general anesthesia (complete sleep) or spinal anesthesia (numb from waist down). The surgeon makes an incision on the front of the knee to access the joint, then uses precise instruments and cutting guides to remove the worn bone surfaces.
The next step involves sizing and placing trial prostheses. The surgeon ensures perfect fit, proper leg alignment, and smooth joint movement. Once confirmed, permanent implants are secured using special bone cement (or sometimes press-fit technique). Finally, tissue layers and skin are carefully sutured.
Rehabilitation: The Most Crucial Part of Recovery
A successful knee replacement result relies equally on surgical expertise and the patient’s adherence to a structured physiotherapy program. Unlike before, rehabilitation begins immediately. Most patients are encouraged to get out of bed with a walker and take a few steps either on surgery day or the next morning.
This early movement is crucial for preventing blood clots and joint stiffness. The physiotherapist teaches simple exercises for muscle activation and knee bending/straightening in bed. After discharge (typically 1-3 days post-surgery), rehabilitation continues at home or clinic, focusing on restoring full range of motion (especially full knee extension) and strengthening quads.
Patients can usually walk without a cane after 4-6 weeks and return to most light daily activities after 3 months. A full recovery, including the return of a natural feeling in the knee, is a gradual process that can take anywhere from six months to a year.
Life After Knee Replacement
The primary goal of this surgery is pain relief, with a very high success rate in this regard. Patients can expect to return to low-impact activities. Walking, swimming, cycling, dancing, and golf are all excellent post-replacement activities. However, high-impact activities like running, jumping, and contact sports (such as football or basketball) should be avoided.
Risks and Potential Complications
As with all major operations, knee replacement surgery entails certain risks; however, the incidence of serious complications is low. The most significant risks include infection at the surgical site or around the prosthesis, and blood clot formation in leg veins. Antibiotics, blood thinners, and special stockings are prescribed to prevent these. Joint stiffness may also occur without regular physiotherapy.
Conclusion
Knee replacement surgery is one of the most effective procedures for improving quality of life. This surgery is designed for patients with severe pain that significantly limits their daily life. It is a major decision that requires a complete understanding of the procedure and a strong commitment to the rehabilitation. But the reward is freedom from chronic pain and the ability to return to activities you’ve been deprived of for years.
If you suffer from severe knee arthritis and other treatments have failed, consulting with an experienced orthopedic specialist is the first step toward reclaiming your active life.
FAQ
Modern prostheses are highly durable. Over 90% are expected to last 15-20 years or longer. Prosthesis lifespan depends on activity level, patient weight, and surgical technique.
Yes, almost always. Knee prostheses are made from metal alloys and will trigger airport metal detector alarms. It’s best to always carry your special medical card (provided by your surgeon).
This depends on which knee (right or left) was operated on and your vehicle type (manual or automatic). Generally, you can start driving again after 2 to 3 weeks if it was your left knee, or after 4 to 6 weeks if it was your right knee (controlling the pedals), assuming you drive an automatic car.
Dr. Mirbolook's working hours
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Tuesday .........................from 10 am to 5 pm
Wednesday .........................from 10 am to 5 pm