Knee surgery is the general name for surgical procedures performed to treat various problems related to the knee joint. These surgeries are performed to repair or replace damage to the bone, cartilage, ligaments, menisci, and other soft tissues in the knee. Knee surgery is generally preferred in cases of chronic pain, limitation of movement or loss of knee function. Here is detailed information about knee surgery:
1. Arthroscopic Knee Surgery:
Description: Minimally invasive surgery performed by making small incisions and viewing the inside of the knee joint with the help of an arthroscope (an instrument with a camera).
Areas of Use: Meniscus tears, cartilage damage, ligament injuries (especially anterior cruciate ligament tears), removal of loose bodies in the knee and synovitis treatment.
Advantages: Smaller incisions, less pain, shorter recovery time and less risk of complications.
2. Total Knee Prosthesis (TDP):
Description: Replacement of damaged parts of the knee joint with metal and plastic parts.
Areas of Use: Advanced osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, severe trauma or other degenerative joint diseases.
Advantages: Great reduction in pain and improvement of knee function.
3. Partial Knee Prosthesis:
Description: Replacement of only part of the knee (inner, outer or patellofemoral region).
Uses: Arthritis or damage to limited areas of the knee.
Advantages: Smaller incisions, shorter recovery time and more natural knee movement.
4. Ligament Reconstruction:
Definition: Repair or reconstruction of torn ligaments (especially the anterior cruciate ligament – ACL).
Areas of Use: Sports injuries, traumas.
Advantages: Restoration of stability and knee function.
5. Osteotomy:
Description: Cutting and realigning of bones to change the load on the knee joint.
Areas of Use: Arthritis or deformities due to overload on the knee in young patients.
Advantages: The patient’s natural joint is preserved and prosthesis surgery can be postponed.
1. Post-Operative Care:
Hospital Stay: Most knee surgeries require a hospital stay of several days.
Pain Management: Medications are prescribed for post-operative pain control.
Physical Therapy: Rehabilitation program is important after almost any knee surgery. Physical therapy is critical to strengthen muscles, restore joint mobility, and enable you to resume normal activities.
2. Recovery Time:
Arthroscopic Surgery: Recovery usually occurs within a few weeks.
Total Knee Replacement: Full recovery and restoration of function may take several months.
Ligament Reconstruction: Full recovery is usually achieved within 6-12 months.
Knee surgery can greatly improve patients’ quality of life when performed with the correct indications and by experienced surgeons. Careful postoperative care and rehabilitation are critical to achieving successful outcomes. If you are considering knee surgery, it is recommended that you consult an orthopedic specialist to evaluate your condition and options.
Here's Frequently Asked Questions About Knee Surgery
Knee surgery refers to any surgical procedure performed on the knee joint to treat conditions such as injuries, arthritis, or other orthopedic issues affecting the knee.
Common types include arthroscopic knee surgery (for repairing or removing damaged tissue), knee replacement surgery (partial or total replacement of the knee joint), and ligament reconstruction (ACL or PCL repair).
Knee surgery may be necessary to repair torn ligaments (like ACL or PCL tears), treat osteoarthritis, repair meniscus tears, remove loose fragments of bone or cartilage, or to realign the knee joint.
During knee surgery, you will be under anesthesia, so you will not feel pain. After surgery, some discomfort or pain is normal and can be managed with medications prescribed by your surgeon.
The duration of knee surgery varies depending on the type and complexity of the procedure. Arthroscopic procedures may take 30 minutes to 2 hours, while knee replacement surgery can take 1 to 3 hours or more.
Recovery involves physical therapy, pain management, and gradually increasing your activity levels. You may need to use crutches or a walker initially and gradually transition to walking and normal activities over several weeks to months.
Risks include infection, blood clots, stiffness, nerve damage, continued pain, and the need for additional surgery in some cases. Your surgeon will discuss specific risks based on your individual situation.
Knee surgery can be highly successful in relieving pain, improving function, and restoring mobility, especially when combined with post-operative rehabilitation and adherence to your surgeon’s instructions.
In many cases, knee surgery is covered by health insurance, especially when deemed medically necessary. Coverage specifics depend on your insurance plan, so it’s important to check with your provider before undergoing surgery.
The cost of surgery can vary depending on the treatment plan, and the type of anesthesia used.
To clarify your treatment process and costs, we offer a free consultation service. You can get detailed information by filling out the form below or by contacting us directly.
The Knee Surgery treatment process involves several important steps to achieve a successful outcome. Here is a detailed summary of the treatment procedure:
