Most of us have probably experienced some form of knee pain or injury at some point in our lives. The resulting pain in the knee will depend on the severity of the injury and can range from a mild discomfort to extreme debilitation. The knee is an important joint that impacts a person’s ability to perform basic tasks such as walking and climbing up a flight of stairs. Any injury or discomfort to the knee can thus impact one’s quality of life tremendously.

Studies show that the knee is one of the easiest to injure joints in the human body. It is also the largest joint humans have. Given its extreme importance in our day-to-day activities, any pain or impact causing an injury in the knee can have a profound effect on us. Fractures and dislocations are common examples of injuries that can occur to the knees.

The process of aging can also lead to injury due to wear and tear in the parts of the knee. If knee injuries do not get treated successfully by medication, doctors recommend knee replacement surgery. In this blog, we will take a look at the main types of knee replacement surgery available today for patients suffering from knee joint problems.

Knee replacement surgery (also called knee arthroplasty) is a successful procedure in which the damaged parts of the knee joint are replaced with artificial implants made of metal, plastic, or ceramic. These implants are designed to function like a natural knee, helping you move more easily and without pain.

There are several types of knee replacement surgery, each designed for different conditions and patient needs. The main types include:

1. Total Knee Replacement - The most common type, replacing all damaged parts of the knee joint 

2. Partial Knee Replacement (Unicompartmental Knee Replacement) - Replaces only the damaged portion of the knee 

3. Revision Knee Replacement - Replaces a previous knee implant that has worn out or failed 

4. Bilateral Knee Replacement - Replaces both knees, either simultaneously or in separate surgeries 

5. Minimally Invasive Knee Replacement - Uses smaller incisions for faster recovery 

6. Robotic Knee Replacement Surgery - Computer-assisted surgery for greater precision

Your surgeon will recommend the best type based on your specific condition, age, activity level, and overall health

Knee replacement surgeries are generally performed after other methods of treatment have failed to yield any significant results. Prior to a knee replacement surgery, the patient would have been recommended certain anti-inflammatory medications, cortisone injections, and physiotherapy.

The most common type of knee surgery is total knee replacement, where the surgeon removes the damaged knee joint and replaces it with artificial implants. The surgery replaces the knee with new components, where the upper part (where the thighbone meets the knee) and the lower part (where the shinbone meets the knee) are covered with smooth, durable artificial surfaces designed to restore natural movement.

In this surgery, the surgeon will make special care in removing damaged cartilage and fragments of bones which are tiny in thighbone (femur), shinbone (tibia), and even in the kneecap (patella) in some instances. This is followed by the replacement parts that are manufactured artificially using metal and plastic materials and are set to move as your natural knee would, only that there is no pain.

Upon removal of the damaged parts, the surgeon will go on to shape the remaining portion of the knee so that it fits perfectly with the prosthetic.

The total knee replacement procedure will require the patient to be hospitalised for a few days so that the doctor can monitor post-surgery recovery.

A patient undergoing a total knee replacement will also have to sit for sessions of physiotherapy. They will usually also require support while walking, at least for the first few days. This support can be provided in the form of crutches, a walking stick, or a walker.

Upon successful completion of the surgery and physiotherapy, the patient is usually able to resume normal activities. However, they may be advised to avoid activities such as running which can increase the risk of damage to the newly operated knee and its prosthetic parts. It helps to follow the doctor’s instructions to a tee in order to increase the longevity of the inserted prosthetics.

The total knee replacement surgery does have a few risks. Doctors generally make it a point to discuss the possibility of these risks with their patients prior to the procedure. One of the major risks associated with a total knee replacement surgery is the possibility of blood clots that can result in the patient suffering a stroke. The implants too can possibly get infected in which case they will be removed.

Additionally, the knee patient and discomfort sometimes does not go away even after the surgery. In rare cases, misalignment can cause the prosthetic to become loose. If this happens, the surgery can be carried out again in order to rectify the problem.

Do bear in mind that the results and risks of the total knee replacement surgery can vary from case to case. It is advisable to always follow the doctor’s instructions for maximum efficacy of the treatment done. Patients must have very realistic expectations of the results of their knee replacement surgery.

Partial knee replacement, sometimes referred to as an unicompartmental knee replacement is like when you get one of your knees fixed they just fix the bad part not the whole knee. There are three primary divisions (compartments) of your knee, sometimes arthritis or injury occurs in only one of them and the other two sections of your knee are prematurely healthy.

This surgery is considered when only a portion of the knee is worn out while the rest of the joint remains healthy. Your surgeon will only want to replace the damaged part with artificial parts leaving the healthy parts of your knee as is. 

Patients who suffer from arthritis in only one section of their knee qualify for a partial knee replacement surgery. If there is arthritic damage in more than one section of the knee, a partial knee replacement is not a good solution. The patient may then be advised to opt for a total knee replacement surgery.

As may be expected, a partial knee replacement surgery has a shorter healing time than a total knee replacement. However, the doctor will advise the patient for follow-ups as there is always a risk of arthritis occurring in the parts of the knee that did not get removed in the surgery. So, patients may find themselves needing a second surgery to treat newly damaged compartments of the knee.

Doctors generally evaluate which patients are suitable for a partial knee replacement as this form of treatment may not be the best course of action for everyone. This is primarily because a partial knee replacement is generally more suitable for those who have healthy bone and ligament in a major portion of their knees which guarantee a successful recovery.

Patients who undergo a partial knee replacement will also have to use the support of crutches for a few weeks after their surgery before they can walk independently again.

Like with the total knee replacement surgery, the partial knee replacement surgery’s results too can vary between patients.

Revision knee replacement is a procedure performed when the initial knee replacement surgery fails to provide effective results or complications arise. Like all household appliances that may require repair or replacement after several years of operation, knee implants may wear out, become loose, or develop other issues over time.

Revision surgery is more complex than the first knee replacement because the surgeon not only replaces the worn-out parts with new ones but may also need to repair or rebuild the surrounding bone to ensure the new implant fits securely. The bone of the old implant might have changed at times, and this will need further work so that the new implant can fit safely and work well.

The majority of revision patients had their primary knee replacement 15-20 years ago or even more. Others can, however, require it earlier in case they develop complications such as infection or loosening of the implants after surgery or in case of injury.

Bilateral knee replacement means both knees are replaced either during the same surgery as simultaneous bilateral or in two separate surgeries spaced weeks or months apart as staged bilateral. In case both your knees are really impaired and are really painful, your surgeon may ask to do bilateral replacement. Doing both knees simultaneously will require only one recovery and one hospital stay, but it involves more pain at first. Doing them independently requires twice the recovery time, but is perhaps more manageable, particularly if you live alone, or have other medical conditions.

The doctor will assist you in making the decision of which method is best given your general health and support system at home, and at the personal level.

Robotic knee replacement surgery uses advanced computer and robotic arm technology to help surgeons perform operations with greater precision¹². The robot does not operate independently but serves as a sophisticated tool that assists the surgeon³.

Before surgery, a CT scan creates a detailed 3D map of the patient's knee⁴⁵. During the operation, the surgeon uses this map with the robotic system to ensure proper placement of the new knee components⁶⁷. This increased accuracy leads to better implant fit and improved long-term results¹⁸.

The robotic system is used for both total and partial knee replacements, ensuring that artificial components fit correctly and function as naturally as possible^9,10. Patients typically experience less pain, faster recovery, and higher satisfaction rates compared to traditional methods^8,3,11.

Now that we have seen the main types of knee replacement surgery, let’s quickly take a look at the techniques employed by surgeons. There are two main types of techniques used for a knee replacement surgery. The first is the traditional approach, which involves a large incision and a greater recovery time. Minimally invasive knee replacement is associated with smaller incisions and techniques that help replace your knee using a smaller skin opening. As opposed to the invasive 8-10 inch incision, your surgeon uses a cut that is only 3-4 inches in length.

This is the same concept as keyhole surgery, except that your doctor is operating through this smaller wound, which may lead to fewer post-surgical pains, minimal blood loss, and perhaps much quicker healing. Not everyone, however, is a candidate for this method, and even after getting this important medical procedure carried out properly, the size of the incision is not the most crucial part.

There is no difference except that patients in the general group have the same results as traditional surgery; however, some patients report a slightly easier recovery during the first few weeks following surgery.

Due to advancements in medical technology, the patient can generally expect similar results from both approaches to knee surgery. The only major difference is the size of the incision used to carry out the operation.

Asking questions is one of the most important things you can do before having knee replacement surgery. Here are some key questions to discuss with your doctor, written in everyday language:

About the Surgery:

Why do I need this surgery, and how will it help my daily life?

What type of knee replacement do you recommend for me, and why?

About Preparation and Recovery:

How long will I be in the hospital?

When can I return to activities like walking, driving, or gardening?

About Risks and Results:

What are the main risks I should know about?

How long do knee replacements typically last?

What are the signs that something might be wrong after surgery?

Remember, there's no such thing as a "silly" question when it comes to your health. Your surgeon wants you to feel comfortable and informed about your decision.

It is also advisable to take a second opinion from another doctor in case the first one did not provide satisfactory responses. In case of a conflicting diagnosis, do explore more options and speak with more specialists prior to agreeing to treatment. A medical operation is an expensive process; it is also one that tires the patient out physically and mentally. Therefore, a good and steady decision should be taken. The patient should only opt to get treated by a physician with whom they feel comfortable.

Knee replacement surgery is recommended when severe knee damage significantly limits daily activities and other treatments have failed to provide relief. The most common cause is osteoarthritis, which develops from wear-and-tear over time or previous injuries¹².

Surgery becomes necessary when patients experience severe pain that makes walking, climbing stairs, or getting out of chairs difficult, often persisting even at rest13. Other conditions requiring surgery include rheumatoid arthritis, severe knee injuries, or rare bone diseases⁴⁵.

Knee replacement is considered only after conservative treatments like medications, physical therapy, injections, or walking aids have been unsuccessful for several months²⁶. The goal is to eliminate pain, restore function, and improve quality of life when knee problems severely impact a person's ability to perform daily activities⁷⁸.

Not everyone with knee pain needs surgery. Your doctor will evaluate if you're a good candidate based on several factors.You may not qualify if your pain responds well to medications, physical therapy, or other treatments. Certain health conditions like severe heart disease, uncontrolled diabetes, or active infections make surgery too risky. Being significantly overweight may require losing weight first, as extra weight stresses the new knee and causes faster wear. 

Meril’s FREEDOM ® Total Knee System has been designed with the advanced design engineering technology combined with vast clinical experience to offer comfort and utility to patients. Patients can enjoy optimal high-flexion motion with either the all-poly or metal-backed tibial component. The FREEDOM ® Total Knee System is a USFDA-approved and CE-certified knee implant.

OPULENT BIONIK GOLD KNEE is a patented new technology from Meril that offers quality and long-term performance to patients. This knee implant system is 8 times harder than regular CoCr implants and 2 times harder than zirconium oxide implants. Comprising of the most biocompatible non-allergic surface material, OPULENT BIONIK GOLD KNEE offers young and senior patients the chance to once again enjoy an active life.

As medical technology keeps progressing, we may see newer breakthroughs and inventions. Medical procedures for treating knee problems will be far more evolved in the future. Until then, Meril’s FREEDOM ® Total Knee System and OPULENT BIONIK GOLD KNEE offer real value and hope to patients suffering from knee problems.