Living with chronic knee pain can severely impact your ability to move freely and enjoy daily activities. Whether necessitated by osteoarthritis, injury, or another condition, knee replacement surgery can restore function and significantly reduce discomfort. With advances like robotic-assisted surgery, patients can now benefit from greater precision, faster recovery times, and improved long-term outcomes.
Understanding Knee Replacement Surgery
Also termed knee arthroplasty, it involves replacing the damaged or worn-out parts of the knee joint with prosthetic implants. The procedure can relieve pain and restore normal joint function, enabling individuals to return to an active lifestyle.
There are two main types of knee arthroplasty:
- Total replacement (TKR): Performed when the entire knee joint is damaged and needs to be replaced
- Partial replacement (PKR): Suitable when damage is confined to a specific part of the knee
Advances like minimally invasive techniques and robotic-assisted surgery have enhanced accuracy, reduced surgical trauma, and improved recovery times.
Who Might Need Knee Replacement Surgery?
Whether you could benefit from a prosthetic knee joint depends on several factors. Common indicators include:
- Persistent pain that limits everyday activities such as walking, climbing stairs, or getting out of a chair
- Knee stiffness and swelling that do not improve with medication or physiotherapy
- Deformities like bowing of the knee or a visible change in alignment
- Conventional analgaesics and steroids no longer provide adequate relief
If such symptoms threaten your quality of life, consulting a specialist can help decide whether surgery is the best course of action.
How Robotic-Assisted Surgery is Transforming Knee Surgery
Robotic-assisted technology is revolutionising knee replacement by enhancing surgical precision. This cutting-edge approach allows surgeons to create a personalised surgical plan using detailed 3D imaging of the patient’s knee. During the procedure, the robotic system assists in positioning and aligning the implant with unmatched accuracy, ensuring a more natural-feeling joint and reducing the risk of complications.
Patients who undergo robotic-assisted knee replacement often experience:
- A more tailored fit for their prosthetic knee.
- Less post-surgical pain and swelling.
- Faster rehabilitation and extended long-term mobility.
This technology represents a significant leap forward in knee replacement procedures, offering better results and increased confidence in the surgery.
The Risks of Delaying Surgery
Some individuals hesitate to undergo knee surgery, often hoping their symptoms will improve over time. However, delaying treatment can lead to worsening pain, decreased mobility, and increased joint damage.
In severe cases, prolonged strain on the knee joint can lead to complications such as muscle weakness, difficulty maintaining balance, and secondary health concerns like cardiovascular issues due to reduced activity levels. Early intervention can prevent further deterioration and lead to a smoother recovery.
Regaining Mobility and Quality of Life
Following the surgery, patients typically follow a structured rehabilitation programme to restore strength and mobility. A firm commitment to physiotherapy and post-operative care will ensure most patients show remarkable improvement in their ability to walk, exercise, and perform daily activities without pain.
For those struggling with persistent knee pain, booking a consultation with an orthopaedic specialist could be the first step in the journey to a more active and pain-free life.