Knee pain can be more than an inconvenience; it can severely limit your mobility and overall quality of life. If treatments like physiotherapy and medications no longer work, it may be time to consider knee surgery. With advances in surgical techniques, restoring pain-free movement is more achievable than ever. Here’s a closer look at when surgical intervention may be necessary, the types available, and how modern technology is transforming outcomes.
Reasons to Consider Knee Surgery
Persistent knee pain can stem from injuries, osteoarthritis, or degenerative joint diseases. While non-surgical treatments such as anti-inflammatory medications, physiotherapy, and corticosteroid injections often provide relief, surgery might be the best option when:
- Chronic pain persists: If pain interferes with daily activities like walking, climbing stairs, or standing for long periods, it may be time to consult an orthopaedic specialist.
- Your knee is unstable: Frequent giving way or buckling of the knee could indicate ligament or cartilage damage.
- Limited range of motion: Struggling to bend or straighten the knee fully could point to serious joint deterioration.
- Swelling and inflammation don’t improve: Persistent swelling, even with rest and medication, may require surgical intervention.
Surgery can help prevent further joint damage and ensure timely treatment tailored to your needs.
Types of Knee Surgery
Several surgical options are available depending on the severity of the condition.
- Arthroscopy: This minimally invasive procedure uses small incisions and a camera to repair cartilage, remove loose fragments, or clean out inflamed tissue. Ideal for less severe damage, arthroscopy allows for quicker recovery and minimal scarring.
- Partial knee replacement: For damage confined to one part of the knee, partial replacement targets the affected area while preserving healthy bone and cartilage. This procedure typically results in faster recovery compared to total knee replacement.
- Total knee replacement: One of the most common procedures performed on the knee, TKR involves replacing the femoral and tibial heads with durable prosthetic components. It’s highly effective for advanced arthritis or extensive joint damage, significantly reducing pain and restoring mobility.
- Ligament reconstruction: Often required for sports injuries, procedures like anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction repair or replace torn ligaments, improving knee stability.
Advances in Knee Surgery
Orthopaedics has undergone some remarkable technological advancements, offering patients less invasive and more precise treatments.
- Robot-assisted surgery: Techniques like the ROSA Robotic System allow surgeons to perform surgery on the knee with greater accuracy. By using computer-generated 3D models, this system ensures optimal alignment of prosthetic components, leading to better outcomes and faster recovery times.
- Personalised prostheses: Customised implants designed using 3D imaging ensure a better fit and greater comfort, enhancing the longevity of joint replacements.
- Enhanced recovery protocols: Modern surgical methods focus on reducing post-operative pain and speeding up rehabilitation. Many patients are now walking within hours of surgery and returning to daily activities sooner than ever.
Living Pain-Free Is Possible
If knee pain is holding you back, modern knee surgery offers effective solutions tailored to your condition. Whether you’re considering minimally invasive arthroscopy or advanced robot-assisted joint replacement, consult one of the country’s most experienced knee surgeons to reclaim your mobility and independence. Take control of your joint health today and explore the options that could transform your life.
