AllBodySurgery.com

Imagine how difficult it would be to enjoy a normal life if performing the simplest of tasks (such as walking and jogging) left you in excruciating pain. Imagine how devastating it would be to realize that you could not perform these tasks anymore, and therefore had to be tied down to a walker or wheelchair. So many people have faced this exact scenario, and would’ve had to struggle with horrible pain for the rest of their lives… if it weren’t for various knee surgeries.

In this article I will explore the world of knee surgery inside and out. Initially I will cover groups of people who are more prone to developing knee injuries, as well as some tell-tale signs that your knees could be in trouble. Afterwards, I will discuss different types of knee surgery, and transition into recovery time once the patient is back at home. Finally, I will touch base on the cost of knee surgery and why (in the long run) it is better to have the surgery rather than continue to suffer.

Runners, tennis players, senior citizens, outdoor workers… What do all of these groups of people have in common? A high risk of developing knee problems later in life. Should this stop all of the above people from enjoying what they do? Absolutely not! With all of the amazing head way that arthopaedic surgeons have made in the last few decades, knee surgery (in most cases) is minimal in recovery time and pain. If one has been suffering from aching or throbbing pain when (or after) walking short distances, or has been experiencing swelling or catching of the knee, surgery may be the only way to fix the problem.

Arthroscopic knee surgery (also known as knee scope surgery) is a procedure in which the arthopaedic surgeon (knee surgeon) creates a series of tiny incisions up and down the knee. He then places a pencil-sized tool called an arthroscope into the incisions. This scope actually contains optic fibers that transmit images of the knee’s interior to a television monitor. This procedure was first performed in the 1960s and is highly accurate in terms of correct diagnosis and proper treatment. It is also one of the most common arthopaedic procedures performed in the United States today.

In the case that the arthroscope reveals the need for a knee replacement, there are two major types. The first is referred to as a partial knee replacement (also known as an uni-compartmental replacement). This is the operation chosen when only one side of the knee joint is damaged. The operation only repairs the damaged side instead of replacing the entire joint. The surgery is called “minimally invasive” due to the fact that only one small incision is made over the knee. The way this knee replacement (like all other knee replacements) is performed depends on the patients weight, age and activity level, among other factors, as well.

The second type of knee replacement surgery is called a total knee replacement (arthroplasty). This surgery relines the joint with artificial parts called prostheses. There are 2 main prostheses used in this surgery:

1. The femoral (thigh) bone, which is made of metal and covers the thigh bone.
2. The tibial (shin) bone, which is made of metal and medical-grade plastic. It covers the top end of the tibia. The metal forms the base, while the plastic is attached to the top, serving as a cushion and a smooth gliding surface. The new joint works in the same way cartilage would in a healthy knee, preventing the bones of the leg from rubbing together at the joint.

The last main knee surgery is called knee joint replacement surgery. This operation is performed by replacing a damaged or diseased knee joint with an artificial joint. The surgeon first makes an incision over the affected knee and removes the patella (knee cap) out of the way. The ends of the thigh and shin bone are cut to fit the prostheses, and the undersurface of the knee cap is cut to allow placement of the artificial component.

Cost of any of the previous surgeries can vary greatly depending on the type of implant used. Usually, this surgery is covered by most insurance plans, however, absolute cost of knee surgery is specific to the hospital where the surgery is performed.

Knee surgery recovery is not exactly an easy road, but to most patients claim the pain after surgery is nowhere near the pain they experienced before surgery. It has also been explained as a tolerable and treatable pain that subsides within several months. Immediately after the surgery (while still in the hospital) the patient will be given numbing medication. Once the patient is back home they will be given a prescription for pain medication. Icing the knee 3-4 times daily for 10-15 minutes greatly reduces swelling and pain. Also, using a Continuous Passive Motion machine (CPM) may be advised. This machine flexes the patient’s knee for them and increases range of motion while decreasing discomfort.

Anyone considering knee surgery should also consider that delaying the surgery results in continuous, worsening pain and steadily decreasing mobility as more time goes by. On the other hand, surgery means several months of pain, but then full recovery and on your feet again, doing what you love. The decision to have surgery is not an easy one for anybody, but looking at the big picture sometimes makes the right choice more easily seen.