An artificial knee joint, also known as a knee arthroplasty (knee replacement), offers significant relief to people suffering from severe knee joint pain. This pain often results from conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or traumatic injuries. This blog post highlights the different types of knee replacements, their advantages and disadvantages, and will help you decide which type of knee replacement might be right for you.

What is an artificial knee joint?

An artificial knee joint replaces the damaged or diseased parts of the natural knee joint with metal and/or plastic components. These prostheses are designed to mimic the natural movements and functions of the knee to relieve pain and improve mobility. Typically, a knee prosthesis consists of three main components: the femoral component, the tibial component and the patellar component.

Why is an artificial knee joint needed?

The main reasons for the need for a knee replacement are:

Osteoarthritis: A degenerative joint disease in which the cartilage in the knee joint gradually wears away.

Rheumatoid arthritis: An autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in the knee joint and destroys cartilage.

Post-traumatic arthritis: This form of arthritis occurs after an injury to the knee that results in cartilage damage.

Cartilage damage: Due to injuries or other diseases that affect the cartilage in the knee joint.

Types of knee replacements

There are several types of knee replacements that can be selected depending on the specific needs of the patient and the condition of the knee. Here are the most common types:

Unicondylar (partial) knee prosthesis

Description: Replaces only part of the knee joint (either medial or lateral).

Advantages: Minimally invasive procedure, shorter recovery time, more natural movements.

Cons: Not suitable for patients with widespread joint damage or severe arthritis.

Total knee prosthesis (TKA)

Description: Replaces the entire articular surfaces of the knee.

Benefits: Provides comprehensive pain relief and improved function, high success rate.

Disadvantages: Longer recovery time, more invasive procedure.

Revision knee prosthesis

Description: Used when a previous knee prosthesis needs to be replaced.

Benefits: Can help with complex cases of denture failure.

Disadvantages: Very complex, higher complication rate and longer operation time.

Rotating platform prosthesis

Description: This prosthesis allows some rotation within the joint.

Advantages: Allows more natural movements and can extend the life of the prosthesis.

Disadvantages: Complex installation, possibly higher risk of prosthesis wear.

Materials and designs of artificial knee joints

The materials and designs of knee replacements are crucial to their functionality and longevity.

materials

Metals: Titanium and cobalt-chromium alloys are commonly used for the femoral and tibial components.

Plastics: Polyethylene is used for the inlay between the metallic components.

Ceramic: In some cases ceramic is used, offers good biocompatibility and low wear.

designs

Fixed prostheses: The components are firmly anchored to the bone and provide a stable base.

Mobilized prostheses: These allow some movement between components and can more closely approximate natural knee movements.

Choosing the right artificial knee joint

Choosing the right knee prosthesis depends on various factors:

Patient Age: Younger patients may require more durable materials that will remain stable over the long term.

Activity level: Active people benefit from more robust and flexible prostheses that can withstand heavy loads.

Health Condition: Patients with certain health problems may require specific types of prostheses to meet their individual needs.

Experience of the surgeon: The success of the operation depends heavily on the experience and competence of the surgeon performing the procedure.

The operation process

Preparation

Preoperative examinations: This includes blood tests, imaging tests such as X-rays or MRIs, and a thorough medical history.

Consultations: Here the patient's expectations and the details of the procedure are discussed.

The operation

Duration: A knee replacement operation usually takes between 1 and 2 hours.

Techniques: There are various surgical techniques, including minimally invasive methods and robotic surgery.

After the operation

Recovery period: Patients with an artificial knee joint should undergo comprehensive rehabilitation that includes physical therapy and gradual increases in weight-bearing.

Pain control: Postoperative pain management includes medications and physical measures such as ice applications.

Rehabilitation and recovery

Rehabilitation after an artificial knee joint is crucial for the success of the procedure.

Here are the most important aspects:

Physiotherapy: Exercises to strengthen muscles and restore mobility are essential.

Nutritional advice: A healthy diet promotes healing and supports the recovery process.

Follow-up appointments: Regular check-ups with a doctor are important in order to monitor healing progress and identify complications at an early stage.

Lifespan of an artificial knee joint

An artificial knee joint typically has a lifespan of 20 to 25 years, depending on the patient's activity and weight.

Maintenance and care of an artificial knee joint

Regular exercise: Moderate activities that are gentle on the joints are important to protect the prosthesis and strengthen the muscles.

Healthy lifestyle: A balanced diet and weight control contribute to the longevity of the prosthesis.

Risks and complications

Although artificial knee joints are generally safe, there are some risks and possible complications:

Infections: Despite sterile techniques, infections may occur that require further treatment.

Blood clots: Thrombosis can form in the legs and lead to serious complications.

Prosthesis failure: The prosthesis may become loose or fail, requiring revision surgery.

Loosening of the denture: This can be caused by excessive stress or wear on the denture components.

Careful surgeon selection and strict adherence to postoperative instructions can help minimize these risks.

Conclusion

An artificial knee joint can significantly improve quality of life by relieving pain and restoring mobility. Choosing the right prosthesis is an individual decision that should be made in close consultation with the surgeon. With the right information and thorough preparation, patients can achieve the best possible results.