Do You Need A Knee Replacement?

Orthopaedic surgeon Dr. Jas Chahal discusses knee osteoarthritis and the progression towards an eventual knee replacement. View models of an actual synthetic knee joint.

Video Transcript:
Osteoarthritis is one of the most common problems affecting the knee joint.
If this is a condition you have, you are likely experiencing knee pain, on and off swelling, stiffness after long periods of inactivity, and possibly a decrease in your range of motion.

There are plenty of treatment options that range from simple over-the-counter medications to reconstructive surgery. Initial treatment often consists of either
(1) Tylenol or an anti-inflammatory medication such as celebrex. Patients can also be treated with
(2) injections such as cortisone, hyaluronic acid, or platelet rich plasma.
(3) Physiotherapy is an increasingly recognized treatment along with these interventions – scientific research has shown that a structured program that strengthens core and quadriceps muscles can improve symptoms.
(4) With respect to surgery, there is considerable evidence that demonstrates knee arthroscopy is not effective once osteoarthritis has developed. So the primary surgical option that remains for most patients is a total knee replacement.

[model of knee OA]

Here we have a model of a knee with advanced osteoarthritis. You can see …. Cartilage loss, osteophytes, cysts, etc.

[xray of OA knee]

Here we have an xray of a patient who has knee arthritis.
The main findings are (1) decreased joint space; (2) sclerosis or hardening of the subchondral bone; (3) the presence of cysts, and (4) osteophytes. I like to compare the amount of cartilage to the tread on a tire. Over time, the thread wears away and what remains is a bone on bone articulation

A knee replacement is one of the most common orthopaedic surgeries in the world. In this procedure, damaged cartilage and bone tissue is removed and replaced with prosthetic components, creating a metal on polyethylene articulation.
[total knee replacement model]

In this model, you can see the prosthetic components on the femur (or thigh bone) and tibia (the shin bone).

The patella or knee cap has also been replaced with a polyethylene button.

After surgery, it is increasingly common for patients to be discharged home within 3 days after a knee replacement. Because of this early discharge, it is important to have an important post-operative strategy to optimize the recovery process.

Some essentials things to consider include
1. Take appropriate medication for pain control
2. Use anti-coagulants to prevent blood clots
3. Prepare the home for your return home after surgery, using aids and devices as necessary
4. Working with an experienced physiotherapist

Physiotherapy is an essential part of the recovery process. In order to optimize mobility and function, patients must work on range of motion and quadriceps strength early on. There is ample evidence that physiotherapy at home is as effective as clinic based therapy and is more cost-effective than hospital based rehab.

We here at Therapia are proud to deliver expert physiotherapy to your home or work. Visit us at www.therapia.life and get started today.

Видео Do You Need A Knee Replacement? канала Therapia Physiotherapy