Knee surgery has dramatically evolved over the years, with modern medical advancements introducing various types of procedures to address different knee-related conditions. These surgeries range from minimally invasive arthroscopy to complex total knee replacement, each designed to alleviate pain and improve mobility.
One common type of modern knee surgery is Arthroscopic Surgery. This procedure uses a small camera known as an arthroscope inserted into the knee joint through tiny incisions. The camera projects images onto a screen allowing surgeons to diagnose and treat certain conditions without making large cuts into the muscle and tissue. It is often used for meniscal tears, ligament repairs, removal of loose bodies, or even some types of arthritis.
Partial Knee Replacement or Unicompartmental Knee Replacement is another type of modern procedure that replaces only the damaged part of the knee while preserving healthy tissues and ligaments. It involves less bone removal than total knee replacement and usually results in quicker recovery times due to its less-invasive nature.
Total Knee Replacement (TKR) is typically performed when severe arthritis or other degenerative conditions have damaged most parts of the knee joint. In this surgery, damaged surfaces at the end of thigh bone (femur) and shinbone (tibia) are removed and replaced with artificial components made up of metal alloys, high-grade plastics, or polymers that mimic natural movement patterns.
Another innovative approach in modern medicine includes Robotic-Assisted Knee Surgery which utilizes robotic technology for performing precise surgical movements. This technique allows surgeons to customize their surgical plan based on each patient’s unique anatomy leading to uncover more accurate implant positioning and alignment.
Revision Knee Surgery becomes necessary when initial replacements fail due to infection, instability or loosening over time. This process involves removing some or all parts of original implants followed by placement of new ones.
Lastly, there’s Osteotomy where bones around knees are cut then reshaped so they can bear weight more evenly relieving pressure on the damaged part of knee. This is typically recommended for younger patients with limited damage, aiming to delay more invasive procedures like total knee replacement.
In conclusion, understanding these different types of modern knee surgeries can help patients make informed decisions about their health care. It’s important to discuss with your orthopedic surgeon which type of surgery would be most beneficial based on your specific condition and lifestyle. Remember that while surgery can significantly improve quality of life, it should always be considered as a last resort after conservative treatments have failed to provide relief.