Am I Suitable for Total Knee Replacement?- Dr Kevin Lee
What Is Total Knee Replacement Surgery?
Total knee replacement surgery is a surgical procedure to replace the damaged or worn out knee joint with an artificial one. The damaged cartilage, bone and ligaments are removed from your knee and replaced with metal components that allow movement of your leg.
Who Can Benefit From Total Knee Replacement Surgery?
Knee replacement surgery is not suitable for everyone. It’s best to seek advice from a doctor if you have:
- Severe osteoarthritis (joint wear) in both knees and other joints that cause pain and stiffness, such as hips or shoulders
- A bone deformity of your lower leg bone (tibia), such as bowlegs or knock knees
Diagnosis of Total Knee Replacement Surgery
In order to determine if you are a good candidate for knee replacement surgery, your doctor will perform a physical examination and imaging tests such as X-rays and MRI scans.
Treatment Options for Total Knee Replacement Surgery
The treatment options for total knee replacement surgery in Singapore include:
- Non-surgical treatments, such as rest, ice and compression, anti-inflammatory medication and physical therapy. These may help relieve your pain but they do not correct the underlying problem of arthritis.
- Surgical treatments include:
- Total knee replacement surgery. This is the most common procedure for people with severe osteoarthritis in their knees. The surgeon removes the damaged parts of your knee joint and replaces them with metal, plastic and/or ceramic components that are designed to replicate a healthy knee joint.
- Partial knee replacement surgery. This involves removing only one side of your damaged joint (usually because you have arthritis on only one side). A metal implant is then used to replace the damaged part of your thigh bone while leaving behind healthy cartilage on both sides of your leg bone so that they can glide smoothly against each other without causing further damage when you walk or run.
- Arthroscopy – This is an alternative treatment option for those who don’t want any invasive surgery but still suffer from chronic pain caused by arthritis in their joints
Recovery After Total Knee Replacement Surgery
After surgery, you will be advised to rest the affected muscle and take painkillers as needed. You may also need to use crutches or a walker for support while walking until your knee is fully healed.
If you are having trouble getting around, consider physical therapy to help improve mobility and prevent stiffness in your joints.
Dr Kevin Lee is an orthopaedic surgeon in Singapore specializing in treating sports injuries of the lower limb, Hip & Knee Surgeries, Arthroscopic Surgery, and Cartilage Repair.
Let Dr Lee answer your questions regarding your knee injuries today. Contact us at +65 6737 0558 .