Knee Replacement Surgery

A knee replacement (also called knee arthroplasty) might be more accurately termed a knee "resurfacing" because only the surface of the bones are replaced.

There are four basic steps to a knee replacement procedure:

1. Prepare the bone. The damaged cartilage surfaces at the ends of the femur and tibia are removed along with a small amount of underlying bone.
2. Position the metal implants. The removed cartilage and bone is replaced with metal components that recreate the surface of the joint. These metal parts may be cemented or "press-fit" into the bone.
3. Resurface the patella. The undersurface of the patella (kneecap) is cut and resurfaced with a plastic button. Some surgeons do not resurface the patella, depending upon the case.
4. Insert a spacer. A medical-grade plastic spacer is inserted between the metal components to create a smooth gliding surface.

Cause

The most common cause of chronic knee pain and disability is arthritis. Although there are many types of arthritis, most knee pain is caused by just three types: osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and posttraumatic arthritis.

1. Osteoarthritis. This is an age-related wear and tear type of arthritis. It usually occurs in people 50 years of age and older, but may occur in younger people, too. The cartilage that cushions the bones of the knee softens and wears away. The bones then rub against one another, causing knee pain and stiffness.
2. Rheumatoid arthritis. This is a disease in which the synovial membrane that surrounds the joint becomes inflamed and thickened. This chronic inflammation can damage the cartilage and eventually cause cartilage loss, pain, and stiffness. Rheumatoid arthritis is the most common form of a group of disorders termed "inflammatory arthritis.
3. Posttraumatic arthritis. This can follow a serious knee injury. Fractures of the bones surrounding the knee or tears of the knee ligaments may damage the articular cartilage over time, causing knee pain and limiting knee function.

Types of Knee Replacement Surgery

Knee replacement surgeries are of two types the choice of which is decided by the degree of dysfunction of the joint.

1. Total Knee Replacement Surgery (TKR)
2. Partial Knee Replacement Surgery (PKR)

1000+ Successful Knee Replacement Surgeries

Dr. Lokesh Dabral, one of the best Orthopedic surgeons in Dehradun has been at the forefront in utilizing latest technologies in the field of knee arthroplasty over the last 6 years. We are proud to claim that he is among few in the country who has been consistently utilizing computer navigation system along with minimally invasive techniques in joint replacement surgery to give the best possible patient outcomes.