Description

Proficiency in knee replacement surgery is essential for orthopaedic surgeons due to its potential to transform the lives of individuals suffering from severe knee arthritis and related conditions. Here’s why orthopaedic surgeons should possess the skill to perform knee replacement surgery:

1. Improved Quality of Life: Knee replacement surgery can alleviate chronic pain, improve mobility, and enhance the overall quality of life for patients, enabling them to engage in daily activities with reduced discomfort.
2. Comprehensive Patient Care: Orthopaedic surgeons skilled in knee replacement surgery can offer a full spectrum of treatment options for knee arthritis, ranging from conservative approaches to surgical interventions, ensuring patients receive personalized care.
3. Expertise in Joint Assessment: Surgeons proficient in knee replacement surgery are adept at assessing the extent of joint damage and can make informed decisions regarding the most suitable treatment, whether it’s joint preservation or knee replacement.
4. Precision and Longevity: Knee replacement surgery demands precision in selecting the appropriate implants, aligning the joint, and ensuring proper soft tissue balance to promote the longevity and durability of the artificial joint.
5. Patient-Centered Approach: Orthopaedic surgeons with knee replacement skills can engage patients in shared decision-making, considering individual preferences, goals, and unique circumstances during treatment planning.

Knee Replacement Surgery (Total Knee Arthroplasty) Indications:

Total Knee Replacement (TKR) surgery is indicated for patients with advanced knee arthritis or joint degeneration that significantly impairs their quality of life. Common indications include:

1. Osteoarthritis: The most frequent reason for TKR, characterized by the progressive erosion of knee joint cartilage, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.
2. Rheumatoid Arthritis: Inflammatory arthritis that affects the knee joint, causing pain, joint deformity, and functional limitations.
3. Post-Traumatic Arthritis: Arthritis resulting from previous knee injuries, such as fractures or ligament tears, which can lead to joint damage over time.
4. Severe Knee Deformity: When substantial knee deformities, such as varus or valgus malalignment, result in pain and compromised function.

Steps of Knee Replacement Surgery for Orthopaedic Surgeons:

1. Patient Preparation: The patient is positioned on the operating table, and the surgical site is prepared and draped in a sterile manner.
2. Incision: A surgical incision is made over the knee joint, typically 6-10 inches long, to access the knee joint.
3. Bone Reshaping: Specialized cutting guides and instruments are used to remove the damaged or arthritic portions of the femur (thigh bone) and tibia (shin bone).
4. Implant Placement: Metal and plastic components, including a femoral component, tibial component, and plastic spacer, are implanted to replace the damaged joint surfaces.
5. Knee Alignment and Balancing: The surgeon ensures proper alignment and balance of the knee joint to optimize stability and function.
6. Closure: The incision is closed with sutures or staples, and sterile dressings are applied.
7. Recovery and Postoperative Care: The patient is transferred to the recovery area and later to a hospital room for postoperative monitoring and care.

Orthopaedic surgeons must be skilled in each of these steps to achieve successful knee replacement outcomes, reduce pain, restore function, and enhance the overall well-being of their patients.