Top Indications for Knee Replacement: When Is Surgery Necessary?

Overview

Knee replacement is a common surgical intervention that can alleviate pain and improve mobility in suitable patients. However, determining when surgery is the most appropriate treatment option can be challenging. In this article, we're going to take a look at the most common reasons people have knee replacement surgery.

Read Also: Knee Replacement Contraindications: Who Should Avoid this Surgery?

Why it’s done?

The most common reason for knee replacement surgery is to help ease the pain caused by arthritis. If you're one of the many people who need knee replacement surgery, you probably have a hard time walking, climbing stairs, and getting up out of chairs. 

The great news is that if only one part of the knee is damaged, surgeons often can replace just that part. If the whole joint needs replacing, the ends of the thighbone and shinbone are gently reshaped and the whole joint is given a new surface.

The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) reports that knee replacement surgery is one of the most successful procedures in all of medicine. In fact, approximately 790,000 total knee replacements are performed annually in the United States.

How to know that knee replacement is necessary?

How can you determine whether you require a knee replacement? The decision of whether or not to proceed with surgery is ultimately a personal one, made in consultation with a qualified medical professional. There are, however, certain factors that may increase the likelihood of being a suitable candidate for surgery.

• You suffer from bad arthritis 

The majority of individuals who undergo a knee replacement have one of three primary forms of arthritis: osteoarthritis, which is the wear-and-tear type; rheumatoid arthritis, which is an autoimmune condition that causes joint pain and damage; or post-injury arthritis. 

• Nonsurgical treatments are no longer effective

If you have arthritis of the knee, you'll probably start with more conservative measures, such as medications, steroid injections, or physical therapy, to help make your symptoms more manageable. But, at some point, these may not be enough. 

We all know that anti-inflammatories, injections and physical therapy can be really useful for giving you some pain relief when you're struggling with discomfort. However, these methods don't reverse the underlying cause of pain and they don't allow cartilage to regenerate. As time goes by, these arthritic conditions tend to get worse. This means that these types of treatments might not be as effective as they once were.

At that point, we can talk about whether surgery might be a good option for you.

• The pain is preventing you from engaging in routine activities and self-care

If you're not getting any relief from other treatments, knee pain can start to affect your daily life.

As a general rule, the timing of a total knee replacement is based on how much it's affecting your quality of life. If you've tried conservative treatments and they're not working, and you're in a lot of pain when you walk, you might be a good candidate for surgery.

• You’re experiencing severe pain while resting, either day or night

If you're experiencing pain that doesn't seem to respond to other treatments, you might also be a good candidate. 

• Chronic knee swelling 

Another sign that your knee isn't responding to other treatments is swelling. 

If your knee is still swollen even though you've tried anti-inflammatory medications, steroid injections, and physical therapy, it could mean that the cartilage is wearing down or that your knee is unstable. You can get a better idea of what's going on with an X-ray. 

This could lead to you needing a total knee replacement.

• Your knee might be deformed 

If you have advanced arthritis, it can impact your ability to walk, which can then lead to other problems in your body. As arthritis progresses, the knee may exhibit a bowed or knock-kneed appearance.

If the deformity progresses over time, a knee replacement may be recommended. Furthermore, individuals with arthritis may also experience difficulty straightening their knees. If this happens, it's a good idea to get it checked out by an orthopedic surgeon. This loss of motion could be permanent, even after the knee has been replaced.

• You don’t mind skipping certain activities afterward

It is important for patients to be informed about the potential outcomes of knee replacement surgery and to understand that regular high-impact activities may not be advisable in the immediate postoperative period. 

A total knee replacement is an effective procedure that allows patients to resume an active lifestyle. Patients can engage in a wide range of recreational activities, including hiking, bicycling, skiing, surfing, tennis, and golf. However, medical professionals at Turkey Luxury Clinics advise patients to refrain from engaging in impactful activities on a regular basis to minimize the wear and tear on the prosthesis.

• You are of an appropriate age.

Knee replacement surgery is typically performed on individuals over the age of 60, as younger patients may engage in more active lifestyles, which could potentially lead to premature wear and tear on the artificial knee, reducing its longevity. Additionally, second replacement surgeries may not yield the same outcomes. 

However, knee replacement surgery is an option for individuals of all ages, dependent on the specifics of the case. It is advisable to consult with a medical professional to ascertain whether you are a suitable candidate.

Turkey Luxury Clinics is your ideal destination!

For most people, knee replacement is a total game-changer! It provides much-needed pain relief, improved mobility, and a better quality of life. And the best part? Most knee replacements can be expected to last at least 15 to 20 years!

Following a period of recuperation, it is possible to resume a number of low-impact activities, including walking, swimming, golf and cycling. However, it is advisable to refrain from higher-impact pursuits such as jogging and activities that involve contact or jumping.

Contact Turkey Luxury Clinics today to speak with our experienced orthopedic team. They will be happy to provide you with a consultation on your case and recommend the optimal solution.