Why Would You Need Knee Replacement Surgery?

Chronic knee pain can be a frustrating and debilitating experience, impacting every aspect of your life. When conservative treatments like rest, medication, and physical therapy no longer provide relief, knee replacement surgery could be the way forward.

This procedure, also known as knee arthroplasty, is a well-established treatment that, for many patients, offers a path to a life free from pain and with restored mobility. Importantly, in Western societies and increasingly in Singapore, patients are becoming more accepting of knee replacement as a means to restore and maintain their lifestyle and activities.

What is Knee Replacement Surgery?

Knee arthroplasty is a precise surgical procedure designed to replace the damaged cartilage and bone in the knee joint with an artificial joint, or prosthesis. This can be done in two ways: a total knee replacement, where the entire joint is resurfaced with a prosthesis, or a partial knee replacement, which involves replacing only one of the damaged compartments of the knee.

Regardless of the type, this new artificial joint is usually made out of a combination of metal and plastic components, carefully shaped to replicate the smooth gliding motion of a healthy knee. The primary goal of knee arthroplasty is to relieve chronic, debilitating pain and restore function and mobility, enabling patients to potentially resume their daily activities with ease and comfort.

Signs You Need Knee Replacement Surgery

How do you know if you need knee replacement surgery? The decision to undergo knee arthroplasty is a significant one, and it’s a conversation you’ll have with your knee specialist.

While every patient’s journey is unique, there are a few common indicators that suggest that you might be a suitable candidate for the surgery:

1. Severe, Persistent Knee Pain

This is often the most compelling reason to get knee arthroplasty. The pain is not just a dull ache but a constant, debilitating presence. It may even interfere with your sleep, hurt when you’re resting, and no longer respond to over-the-counter pain relievers or prescription medication.

2. Chronic Knee Inflammation and Swelling

Inflammation is the body’s natural response to injury, but when it becomes chronic, it’s a sign of a deeper issue. Persistent swelling and tenderness in the knee joint that doesn’t subside can significantly impact your daily life, making it difficult to put on shoes, wear certain clothing, or even walk.

3. Significant Knee Stiffness

A healthy knee should bend and straighten with ease. When you find it increasingly difficult to do so, it could be a warning sign. Significant stiffness could make simple movements like getting in and out of a chair, climbing a few steps, or even bending down to tie a shoelace feel like a monumental task, and hence, lower your quality of life.

4. Loss of Knee Function and Mobility

One of the potentially biggest signs you may need knee replacement surgery is when you find yourself unable to perform basic activities. Your pain or stiffness could worsen to the point where walking for a short distance, climbing stairs, or even just standing for a few minutes is no longer possible.

5. Deformity of the Knee

Over time, severe damage to the knee joint can cause a visible change in its shape. The joint may begin to look swollen, or the leg may become “bow-legged” or “knock-kneed.” These deformities are a clear sign of significant structural damage within the joint.

6. Failure of Non-Surgical Treatments

A good surgeon will usually exhaust all conservative options first. It’s important to trust your healthcare provider’s advice regarding non-surgical treatments, as they often require time and patience for improvements to be noticeable.

But when physical therapy, steroid or hyaluronic acid injections, anti-inflammatory medications, and other non-surgical methods no longer provide adequate or long-lasting relief, a knee arthroplasty could be the only means to help you regain your mobility.

7. Lowered Quality of Life

When chronic knee pain begins to dictate your life, affecting your ability to socialise, work, and enjoy hobbies, it’s a strong signal that something needs to change. Pain that impacts your sleep, limits your work productivity, or prevents you from participating in activities with friends and family is a major reason for patients to consider knee replacement.

Potential Dangers of Delaying Knee Replacement Surgery

While it’s understandable to feel hesitant about surgery, waiting too long for a necessary procedure could lead to complications, such as:

1. Increased Pain and Disability

Delaying could lead to a worsening of pain and further loss of mobility. As the joint continues to deteriorate, daily tasks become even more difficult, and the pain may become unbearable, making it a challenge to even perform the exercises required for pre-operative physical therapy.

2. Further Joint Damage

Continuing to put weight on an already damaged joint could lead to more extensive deterioration of the bone and soft tissues. This could make the eventual surgery more complex and potentially compromise the long-term success of the new joint.

3. Muscle Weakness and Atrophy

When pain forces you to reduce your activity level, the muscles that support your knee will weaken and waste away. This muscle atrophy could impact your recovery after surgery, as strong muscles are essential for rehabilitation and a quick return to function.

4. Potentially Poorer Surgical Outcomes

A more severely damaged joint may require a more complex surgery and could lead to a longer, more difficult recovery period. While the surgery will still provide relief, the final long-term results might not be as optimal as they would have been had the procedure been done sooner.

Care For Your Knees

Getting knee arthroplasty is a personal decision, but it could be a wise choice for those suffering from severe, debilitating knee conditions. By recognising the signs you need a knee replacement and understanding the risks of delaying, you could take control of your health.

If you are experiencing any of these signs, we encourage you to seek professional care. Our experienced surgeons at Centurion Orthopaedic Centre can offer comprehensive assessments and a patient-centric approach to determine the best course of action for your knee health.

Book a consultation for a professional assessment today.