Chronic knee pain can steal your mobility and leave you feeling frustrated. But when conservative treatments like physical therapy and medication reach their limits, surgery empowers you to take back control. Here are some surgical options for severe knee conditions; explain when surgery becomes the best course of action and equip you to make informed decisions about your knee health.
Knee Replacement: The Gold Standard for Advanced Arthritis
Total knee replacement (TKR) is a highly successful surgery for severe osteoarthritis. Here’s what you can expect: During TKR, your surgeon removes the damaged surfaces of your knee joint, including the ends of your femur (thighbone) and tibia (shinbone). They then replace them with custom-designed implants from durable metals and high-grade plastics. These implants mimic the natural movement of your knee, allowing for pain-free flexibility and stability.
Who Needs Knee Replacement?
TKR becomes the best option when:
- Pain Becomes Unrelenting and Affects Daily Activities: Constant, throbbing, or sharp pain that interferes with basic movements like walking, climbing stairs, or getting in and out of a chair significantly impacts your quality of life. TKR can help you reclaim the freedom to move without limitations.
- Stiffness Limits Your Range of Motion: A significant decrease in your ability to bend or straighten your knee makes daily tasks challenging and can lead to further complications. TKA restores flexibility, allowing you to move with ease again.
- Conservative Treatments Offer No Relief: If medication, physical therapy, injections, and other non-surgical approaches have failed to adequately manage pain and improve mobility, TKR might be the best action to get you back on your feet.
Beyond Replacement: A Spectrum of Orthopaedic Solutions
While TKR is a prevalent option, several other treatments address specific knee problems:
- Arthroscopy: This minimally invasive surgery utilises a tiny camera and specialised instruments inserted through small incisions. Your surgeon can diagnose and treat knee issues like torn meniscus, damaged cartilage, inflamed synovial tissue, and ligament injuries. Arthroscopy allows quicker recovery and gets you back to your activities faster.
- Hyluronic Acid (Lubricant) injection: Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance that lubricates joints and acts as a shock absorber. Arthritis reduces the amount of hyaluronic acid in the joint, which can lead to pain when moving the knee. Hyaluronic acid injections can help replace the lost lubrication
Making the Right Decision: Factors to Consider Before Surgery
The decision for surgery involves a collaborative discussion with your orthopaedic surgeon. Here are some key considerations:
- Severity of Your Symptoms: The intensity and frequency of your pain, stiffness limitations, and impact on daily activities play a critical role in determining the most suitable surgical approach.
- Exhaustion of Conservative Treatments: If various non-surgical approaches haven’t yielded satisfactory results, surgery might be the next logical step to address your pain and improve mobility.
- Overall Health and Activity Level: Younger, active individuals with specific knee problems might benefit from procedures like arthroscopy or osteotomy to preserve their natural joint structure. However, severe, debilitating arthritis might necessitate TKA for optimal pain relief and mobility restoration.
- Your Individual Goals and Expectations: Discuss your desired outcome and lifestyle goals with your doctor to determine the surgical approach that best aligns with your needs and expectations.
Partnering with Singapore Sports and Orthopaedic Clinic
At Singapore Sports and Orthopeadic Clinic, we understand chronic knee pain’s significant impact on your life. Our team of highly qualified and experienced orthopaedic surgeons is dedicated to providing you with comprehensive care. We emphasise personalised treatment plans, including advanced surgical options when necessary, to help you regain control of your mobility and live an active, pain-free life. Book an appointment today and have yourself checked with our qualified surgeons.
Remember, this information is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Schedule a consultation with our Orthopeadic surgeon to discuss your situation and explore the surgical options available.
