TOTAL KNEE REPLACEMENT
Total knee replacement (TKR), also called as Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA), is a surgical procedure performed on patients suffering from osteoarthritis of the knee joints. Osteoarthritis is a condition where the cartilage and bones of the knee are damaged leading to pain, deformity of the leg associated with difficulty in walking. Although more commonly seen in elderly patients as a result of wear and tear, a part of aging process, arthritis can also be seen in other disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis or secondary to malunited fractures of the bones forming knee joints.
After a thorough clinical and radiological examination by an expert arthroplasty surgeon, a decision regarding the need for Total Knee Replacement can be taken. Depending on these examination findings and necessities of the patient, a particular design and make of implant can be chosen.
A team of exert knee replacement surgeons with a trained staff and a well-organized physiotherapy program are pre-requisites of a better outcome, speedy recovery and early return to a more active life.
With the development of technology, like Computer Assisted Surgery (CAS), the procedure is more refined, less invasive with more accurate correction of the deformities.
How it is done?
Two most commonly used approaches while performing TKR are namely Median parapatellar and sub-vastus approaches. The difference between these two is when the vastus, the muscle present in the front of lower thigh region, is either cut in the middle as in Median parapatellar approach or reflected in sub-vastus approach. Each approach with its own advantages, are used routinely and its followers argue about superiority of one approach over the other.
Sub-vastus approach is less traumatic as muscle is reflected not cut, so physiotherapy like stair climbing can be started early in the post-operative period. However it is skillfully demanding and cannot be performed in very stiff knees. Median parapatellar approach is relatively easy, but traumatic to muscle so stair climbing has to be delayed. However in long term the final result achieved in terms of range of motion and the strength of muscles is similar with both the approaches.
Implants used in TKR play a crucial role in achieving a satisfactory result after the procedure on long term. So implant selection is an important aspect we, at SaiShree Hospital expect that all our patients should be aware of what type of implant is used in their body.
The type of implants that can be used in TKR can be broadly grouped in to two; depending on whether the PCL- The Posterior Crucial Ligament is retained or sacrificed. PCL is present in the knee, The function of which is to provide stability to knee joint. The first type, cruciate retaining implants are the once where PCL is saved. In the second type, Cruciate sacrificing implants, as the name suggests, PCL is sacrificed and is replaced with CAM and Post mechanism in the implant.
The types of implants that are available in these two designs are further available in two types: The fixed bearing implants namely all Poly and Metal Back. And, mobile bearing implants where the insert is mobile which moves through the knee movements allowing more movement and less wear and tear. Some of these implants also come with Oxynium coating which helps in reducing wear and tear, thus increasing the life of implants.
Biological TKR
It is a TKR, performed using techniques which are more biological, less invasive and traumatic, leading to early recovery to day to day activities.
1) Using Sub Vastus Approach – A less invasive muscle reflecting approach instead of the one where muscle is cut, leading to early recovery and easier postoperative physio rehabilitation.
2) Using CAS (Computer Assisted Surgery) technology – Leading to less bone loss and more precise bone cuts and near normal deformity correction.
3) Using CAS (Computer Assisted Surgery) technology – Leading to less bone loss and more precise bone cuts and near normal deformity correction.
4) Using PS Implants – Using Posterior Stabilizing (PS) implants, where the PCL (Posterior Cruciate Ligament) is preserved, a less invasive soft tissue protecting approach.Using Uncemented Implants – This achieves a more biological fixation of implants, abolishes the need for cement, and thus avoids cement related complications.
Gold Knee
Implants used in the TKR procedure are made up of various metallic alloys which are inert, they don’t have any adverse effects on our body. Titanium or Cobalt Chromium alloys are amongst the most commonly used materials for these implants. However, all these materials are subjected to wear and tear, depending on the use and abuse of daily activities.
A new implant, called “Gold Knee”, have a Titanium Niobium Nitride coating on these alloys. This coating, imparts a golden color to the implants, hence the name. This coating, decreases the wear and tear of the implants and prolongs the life of the prosthesis. Also this coating minimizes the chances of metal allergies. Hence these implants are a boon for patients with osteoarthritis who have metal allergies.