Knee Replacement

Knee Replacement

When you learn the anatomy of the knee, it makes it very easy to understand what knee replacement surgery is. Three major bones make a knee joint, which is a hinge type joint. These bones are the femur (thigh bone), tibia (shinbone), and patella (kneecap).

As you bend or straighten your knee, the femur’s end glides over the tibia’s surface, while the patella shifts along a channel at the front of the femur.

A healthy knee joint has incredibly smooth, weight-bearing surfaces that allow for painless movement. A slick tissue called cartilage cushions the space between the femur and tibia, and a special fluid-filled membrane lubricates the entire joint. Strong ligaments and muscles surround the joint, providing crucial stability.

The Arthritic Knee and Total Knee Replacement

This protective cartilage begins to break down in a knee with arthritis. This results in the bones rubbing directly against one another resulting in inflammation, pain, and extremely restricted activity. Simple things such as walking become difficult.

A total knee replacement aims to restore a healthy, smooth surface to the joint. It involves three main components :

• A femoral component : This part covers the end of the thigh bone. It’s typically made from a durable metal alloy, like cobalt-chromium.
• A tibial component : This one rests on the top of a shin bone. It comprises two components: a metal tibial tray (either cobalt or titanium) and a plastic tibial insert (polyethylene), which serves as the new cushioning cartilage.
• A patellar component : This covers the underside of the kneecap. It’s often made of plastic, but it isn’t always used, depending on the patient’s specific needs.

Although research has constantly enhanced the material and procedure employed in the replacement of a knee, the durability of a prosthesis can vary. However, most patients can expect a significant increase in mobility and a dramatic reduction in pain, which greatly improves their ability to walk.

Who Might Need a Knee Replacement?

The primary reason for undergoing a total knee replacement (TKR) is osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint condition. Interestingly, knee osteoarthritis appears to be more common in India and other parts of Asia compared to hip arthritis in Western populations. Other conditions that can lead to TKR include:

• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Ankylosing spondylitis
• Post-traumatic arthritis from old fractures or ligament injuries
• Congenital or developmental dysplasias
• Severe deformities like knock-knee or bow-leg

Modern surgical techniques allow us to treat these conditions efficiently, often enabling patients to resume their daily activities sooner than they might expect.

When Is Surgery Considered?

Although many people think that just because their knee hurts, they should be entitled to have their knee replaced. TKR is a major procedure, but it is only administered at times when less invasive methods like physiotherapy, yoga, exercise programs, or medical management have been insufficient in providing relief.

Surgery may be recommended if:

• Pain, stiffness, and swelling are severely limiting your mobility.
• Knee pain is consistently disrupting your daily activities and sleep.
• Joint deformities are significantly impairing your ability to walk or stand.
• Your knee feels unstable and unable to support your weight.
• You are no longer able to participate in social, recreational, or work activities.

The ultimate goal is to restore independence, comfort, and function once all other options have been exhausted.

Recovery and Rehabilitation

A successful knee replacement doesn’t end in the operating room; it continues through dedicated rehabilitation. At our center, we follow Rapid Rehab Protocols designed to help patients regain strength, flexibility, and confidence as quickly as possible. This includes:

• Early mobilization within 24 hours of surgery.
• Tailored physiotherapy programs.
• Integration of yoga-based stretching and balance exercises.
• Nutritional guidance to promote healing and reduce inflammation.

Why Choose the “A” Team at DHEE Hospitals For Knee Replacement In Bangalore?

Dr. Chandrasekar Chikkamuniyappa, who trained at world-renowned institutions in India, the UK, and the USA, leads our Arthroplasty (“A”) Team. This carefully selected group is dedicated to excellence in joint replacement and includes:

• Joint Replacement Surgeons (hip, knee, and shoulder)
• Pain management specialists skilled in advanced techniques
• Orthopaedic physiotherapists
• Integrated yoga therapists
• Nutritionists with naturopathy expertise
• Patient Empowerment Officers (PEOs) for personalized guidance

What Sets Us Apart

• Global-Level Expertise : Our surgeons have trained at top centers across the USA, Australia, the UK, and Germany.
• Multidisciplinary Support : From spine surgery to sports injury care, our musculoskeletal specialists provide a full spectrum of services all under one roof.
• Advanced Technology : We use computer-assisted navigation (CAS) to ensure precision, especially in complex and revision surgeries.
• Safety Standards : Operating in NABH-accredited facilities ranked among India’s top 25 hospitals, our surgical site infection rates match global benchmarks, and we consistently achieve high patient satisfaction scores.
• Comprehensive Facilities : Our in-house rehabilitation, physiotherapy, and integrative medicine services ensure continuity of care from start to finish.
• Affordability Without Compromise : Our customized packages deliver world-class care at accessible costs, ensuring that finances don’t stand in the way of your mobility and well-being.

A knee replacement becomes necessary when the cartilage in the joint wears away, causing bones to rub together and leading to severe pain and limited movement. This surgery replaces damaged joint surfaces with metal and plastic components to restore smooth function. It’s typically considered after non-surgical treatments have failed to provide relief. At DHEE Hospitals, we combine a multidisciplinary team with advanced technology to ensure a safe and effective procedure, followed by comprehensive rehabilitation to help patients regain mobility and improve their quality of life.