A Detailed Guide on Types of Knee Surgery
Knee problems are among the most common orthopaedic issues that affect people of all ages. Whether it is caused by injury, arthritis, or wear and tear over time, knee problems can limit mobility. In such cases, knee surgery is often necessary to restore function and relieve discomfort.
In this blog, we will explore the main types of knee surgery, their procedures, and the recovery time to help you understand which option might be right for your condition.
4 Common Types of Knee Surgery
There are different types of knee surgery. However, here we have listed four common types of knee surgery.
- Total Knee Replacement
Total knee replacement is the most common type of knee surgery for patients suffering from severe arthritis or joint damage. During this procedure, the surgeon removes the damaged cartilage and bone from the surface of the knee joint and replaces them with artificial components, which are made of metal alloys or ceramics.
Recovery: The operation typically lasts around two hours and is followed by a hospital stay of 2 to 3 days. After surgery, physical therapy helps patients regain strength and flexibility. Full recovery is expected in 3 to 6 months, and the artificial knee joint can last 15 to 20 years with proper care.
- Partial Knee Replacement
If arthritis affects only one side of the knee, either the inner or outer compartment, then a partial knee replacement is recommended. In this surgery, only the damaged part of the knee joint is replaced with a metal or plastic implant while the healthy bone and tissue are preserved. It's better because there's a smaller incision and less tissue damage. It involves minimal blood loss and is associated with a low complication rate.
Recovery: Most patients can walk with support within a day after surgery and may return to normal activities within three to six weeks.
- Arthroscopic Knee Surgery
Arthroscopic knee surgery, often called keyhole surgery, is a minimally invasive procedure that is used to diagnose and treat various knee joint problems. A tiny camera called an arthroscope is inserted into the knee through a small incision, allowing the surgeon to view the joint on a screen and perform necessary repairs using specialised instruments. Common conditions such as torn meniscus or damaged cartilage, ligaments, or loose bone and cartilage fragments can be treated with this procedure.
Recovery: It usually takes about 30 to 60 minutes and is often performed under anaesthesia. The recovery time is faster, as the incisions are small and patients can return home the same day.
- ACL Reconstruction Surgery
The anterior cruciate ligament is one of the major ligaments in the knee that helps stabilise it. ACL injuries are common among athletes. The surgery involves replacing the torn ACL ligament with graft tissue, either from the patient's own body or a donor. Graft is used to rebuild the ligament. It is often performed anthroposcopically and takes about one to two hours. The goal is to restore knee stability and prevent future injuries.
Recovery: Rehabilitation plays a crucial role. Physical therapy usually begins within a few days of surgery, and full recovery may take 6 to 9 months.
Conclusion
In the end, knee surgery gives you a new lease of life. In this blog, we have covered the four major types of knee surgeries, but several specialised procedures exist depending on the severity of the damage and the patient's activity level. Each surgery has its own benefits, recovery timelines, and suitability criteria, which should be thoroughly discussed with a specialist. Suppose you are in Dubai, dealing with persistent knee pain or mobility issues. There are many hospitals in Mankhool and the surrounding areas that can help you manage your knee pain or other issues.
