8 Different Types of Knee Surgery

Osteoarthritis and knee injuries are among the most common of reasons to undergo knee surgery. The knee is the largest joint in the body and bears the most weight and pressure, which can make it the joint most prone to pain and damage. If you are experiencing chronic knee pain, it’s possible you may need to have some form of knee surgery. There are several different types of knee surgeries, depending on the location, size, and intensity of joint, ligament, or tissue damage.

Here are some of the most common types of knee surgeries and procedures that are performed today.  

1.     Meniscus Repair

A meniscus repair is a surgical procedure for a damaged meniscus. When successful, meniscus repair can restore the knee’s anatomy and has a long-term prognosis. Meniscus repair is a significant surgery with a recovery time of anywhere between 4-6 weeks, or even 3 months until a patient is able to participate in any sports or activities. However, meniscus repair is not always possible because of limited blood supply.

2.     Meniscectomy

A meniscectomy involves removing a portion of the meniscus cartilage from the knee joint. The meniscus is a cushion of cartilage between the bone that absorbs shock and provides support. During this procedure, the smaller tears on the meniscus can be trimmed to relieve the painful symptoms associated with a torn meniscus. Recovery time is typically between 4-6 weeks.

3.     Plica Excision

In early development, your knee is divided into separate sections, or compartments. Over time, the dividers gradually disappear, and some of the more prominent remnants of tissue can remain. These remnants are called plica. Plica syndrome occurs when the plica is irritated, and a plica resection or excision may be necessary to eliminate pain. This procedure usually takes 20 minutes to 40 minutes to perform, and patients are released from the hospital the same day as the operation.

4.     Meniscus Transplant

A meniscus transplant consists of replacing an individual’s missing or damaged meniscus with the meniscus of a donor patient. Meniscus transplantation is performed when the removal of the entire meniscus causes consistent knee pain. This surgery takes place under anesthesia, and patients need to wear a knee brace and use crutches for the first 4 to 6 weeks after surgery.

5.     ACL Reconstruction

The ACL, or anterior cruciate ligament, is one of four major ligaments in the knee. The ACL is necessary for knee stability, so a damaged or torn ACL can cause the knee to weaken, causing great pain and issues with mobility. Injuries to the ACL are typically associated with sports but can also affect people during their daily activities. ACL Reconstruction is an outpatient procedure, and the operation takes less than two hours. You may expect to spend three to four hours at the surgery center between checking in, anesthesia, operation, and recovery time.

6.     Microfracture

A microfracture is a surgical technique performed arthroscopically to heal a knee joint’s internal damaged cartilage. Once the surgeon assesses the damage, unstable cartilage is removed from the exposed bone and microfractures are made in the bone about 3mm to 4mm apart. From the holes in the exposed bone, bone marrow cells and blood combine to form a clot that covers and cushioned the damaged area, forming new tissue. Initially, the microfracture technique produces a rough bone surface for the clot to adhere to more easily. The clot, however, eventually matures into a firmer repair tissue, creating a more smooth and durable surface. Recovery time for the microfracture treatment varies based on the location and amount of the damage, the size of the defect, and previous procedures. Limited strength training begins immediately after surgery, and it is highly recommended the patient works with a physical therapist for a more specific rehabilitation program.

7.     Partial Knee Replacement 

A partial knee replacement, also called a unicompartmental knee arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure used to relieve arthritis in one of the three compartments of the damaged knee. This means that if only a small portion or one compartment of the knee joint is damaged or has limited cartilage loss, that damaged compartment can be replaced without the entire knee being replaced. The three compartments of the knee are the medial, lateral, and patellofemoral, and any one of these compartments can be replaced during a partial knee replacement. Operative and recovery times varies depending on the damage and repairs performed. However, those who have partial knee replacement surgery recover more quickly than those who have a total knee replacement. Though many are able to walk on their own within 4-6 weeks post-surgery, patients will need physical therapy for 4-6 months.  

8.     Total Knee Replacement Surgery 

Knee replacement surgery, or arthroplasty, is one of the most common surgeries performed in the United States. The need for total knee replacement surgery can be caused by osteoarthritis, trauma, or injury to the knee. During knee replacement surgery, the bone and cartilage on the top of the tibia and bottom of the femur are removed. Essentially, the knee is replaced with artificial parts. A patient can have an off-the-shelf or customized implant placed as the new knee joint. Knee replacements are 90% successful, with good long-term results reported by patients. This operation takes 1-2 hours and patients may stay in the hospital from 1-4 days post-surgery to recover. After released from the hospital, patients begin physical therapy immediately. Rehabilitation time varies based on the patient’s health and motivation to recover.

At Empire Surgical Products, we are dedicated to improving the lives of surgeons and patients by providing innovative orthopedic devices that allow us to better serve our community. If you need help finding the best surgeon for you in the New York or Westchester areas, please don’t hesitate to contact us today.

How Long Does a Knee Replacement Last?

Total knee replacements can be life changing. With joint implants, your quality of life transforms drastically, and you are no longer in pain trying to complete normal daily activities. For younger patients who are in need of joint replacements, they are able to return to their vigorous athletic lifestyles with little to no joint pain. Most patients who need total knee replacement surgery have osteoarthritis, however there are still patients who have endured injuries and require the surgery.

Total knee replacements can last for decades, typically about 20 years. Sometimes, depending on the patient and the implant itself, replacements can last a little longer than 20 years. However, if you have a partial knee replacement, it is likely your joint will need to be replaced within 10 years, meaning you will need to undergo a repeat operation, also called revision surgery.

Total knee replacements add to the quality of life, allowing patients to be more active and participate in physical activities they would not have been able to participate in without the total knee replacement. But, of course, like all things, the joint and its function will diminish over time. As you continue to age after your initial total knee replacement surgery, your activity level will decrease, and you will be moving more slowly when walking, biking, or swimming. It is at the 20-year mark that his usually occurs, which means it may be time to get revision surgery.

Over the past several years, studies have shown that there has been a massive increase in patients who require knee implants earlier in life, specifically people as young as in their 50s instead of in their 60s. It is also important to note that when you are much older, and you receive a total knee replacement, you can live the rest of your life with your first implants and not require another surgery. Essentially, most people pass away with their implants, because a lot of people receive the implants much later in life, and the implants can last for decades.

With the innovative and customizable implants on the market now, it is possible that knee replacement implants will last even longer than 20 years, as they are much more closely designed to fit the individual patient’s natural and unique anatomy than in the past. In the past, they were expected to only last between 10 and 15 years, but they were rudimentary, limited, and uncomfortable.

People with modern knee replacements, however, should feel more optimistic because their custom implants are more flexible and can withstand more pressure and activity than the knee implants of years past.

It is essential to consult your physician before choosing to undergo joint revision surgery. Every patient reacts differently to implants, and one implant may wear out faster than another implant, depending on the patient’s health and activity. To maintain your implant’s strength, try not to engage in vigorous physical activities because this can cause the implant to deteriorate much faster, making it more likely for you to have to undergo another replacement surgery to repair or revise the initial implant.

For more information or advice on whether or not knee replacement surgery is right for you, contact Empire Surgical Solutions in New York today. We’re happy to discuss your situation or put you in touch with a certified knee surgeon in New York.

8 Ways on How to Prevent Knee Replacement Surgery

The knee is the largest and one of the most complex joints in the body. It is also the joint that endures the most damage. The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery states that by 2030, there will be a 670% increase in total knee replacements. However, there are ways in which knee and joint damage can be healed and prevented without surgery.

Here are 8 ways for avoiding knee replacement  surgery and for maintaining healthy joints while preventing joint damage:

1.     Weight Loss. Weight loss helps relieve excess pressure on your knees. For every pound you lose, that’s four pounds of pressure alleviated from your knees. Weight loss also helps reduce inflammation and boosts your immune system.  

2.     Exercise. Exercising regularly has a multitude of health and wellness benefits, especially when it relates to strengthening your muscles and promoting flexibility. The more you strengthen your thigh muscles, the less likely you are to experience knee pain and cartilage damage. Swimming, cycling, Pilates, and yoga are some of the best non-traumatic exercises you can do to strengthen your knees. These exercises improve blood flow, build muscle, and improve flexibility. 

3.     Physical Therapy. A physical therapist can teach you how to prevent or manage your condition, so you can achieve long-term benefits. Physical therapy can help increase your mobility, restore joint function, reduce joint pain, and prevent further damage. 

4.     Acupuncture Therapy. Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese method of healing and form of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Acupuncture doesn’t work for everyone, but it has become more popular in recent years because it has been known to have lasting health benefits and pain relief. The placement of needles in acupuncture produce signals to the spinal cord and brain, releasing neurotransmitters—endorphins and enkephalins—which reduce pain. Acupuncture also induces cortisol production which is a hormone that is known to help control joint inflammation.

5.     Arthroscopic Surgery. Arthroscopic surgery is a minimally invasive surgical procedure in which the surgeon utilizes a small camera to view the damaged knee and then makes small incisions to repair the knee. This form of surgery is less painful for patients and has a shorter recovery time.

6.     Knee Osteotomy. A knee osteotomy is a surgical procedure that involved removing or adding a piece of bone to your thighbone or shinbone. This removal or addition of bone helps distribute your weight, shifting the pressure off your knee.

7.     Hyaluronic Acid (HA) Injection. This injection treatment is commonly used to fill wrinkles; however, it also helps with knee joint pain. Hyaluronic Acid is a lubricant that helps regulate inflammation and provides support, or cushioning, between the knee’s cartilage.

8.     Platelet-rich Plasma (PRP) Injection. This injection uses your body’s regenerative processes to heal the damaged joint and increase mobility. This is how it works: The doctor extracts your tissue, concentrates the proteins in your stem cells, and reintroduces them to the damaged tissue. The process typically takes 3 – 4 hours and has a brief recovery time.

Now what?

It’s important to consult a doctor about your condition before exploring alternatives to total knee replacement surgery. However, if you do need total knee replacement surgery, it’s imperative that you do not delay the process. Avoiding necessary treatment can cause more damage and long-term health issues. Contact Empire Surgical Solutions today to learn more about knee replacement prevention as well as the latest advancements in knee and orthopedic surgery

Knee Replacement Recovery 101

A total knee replacement is a surgical procedure whereby the diseased knee joint is replaced with artificial material. During a total knee replacement, the end of the femur bone is removed and replaced with a metal shell. The end of the lower leg bone (tibia) is also removed and replaced with a channeled plastic piece with a metal stem. These artificial components of a total knee replacement are referred to as the prosthesis.

Total knee replacement (TKR) surgery is considered for patients whose knee joints have been damaged by progressive arthritis, trauma, or other destructive joint diseases. The most common reason for total knee replacement in the United States is osteoarthritis.

Total Knee Replacement Recovery Time

Total knee replacement recovery generally requires between one and a half to three hours of operative time. After surgery, patients are taken to a recovery room, where their vital organs are monitored. When stabilized, patients are returned to their hospital room to begin the healing process.

After TKR surgery, proper recovery and rehabilitation are crucial for the restorative process. Recovery and rehabilitation greatly improve your chances of healing and ensure long-term success.

Within 24 hours to 48 hours after surgery, patients are encouraged to walk with an orthopedic device or walker; and a patient may stay in the hospital for 3-7 days after the surgery to begin their recovery regimen. Typically, the doctor decides to release the patient based on their ability to reach certain milestones such as:

·      Standing

·      Walking with assistance

·      Flexing and extending the knee

Physical therapy begins immediately after surgery to ensure swift and efficient healing and increased mobility. Physical therapy is an extremely important part of rehabilitation and requires full participation by the patient for optimal outcome. Some pain, discomfort, and stiffness can be expected at the start of any physical therapy regimen.

One unique device that can help speed recovery is the continuous passive motion (CPM) machine. The CPM machine is attached to the operated leg and moves the knee through various degrees of range of motion while the patient relaxes. This can help to improve circulation and minimize the risk of scarring and contracture of the tissues surrounding the knee.

Outpatient Physical Therapy

After a patient is discharged from the hospital, the doctor will prescribe outpatient physical therapy, which will include knee strengthening exercises and knee stretches. Physical therapy will help the patient build strength and flexibility—which consequently protects the knee and other surrounding joints and muscles—and promote sufficient healing by increasing blood flow.

Within 6 weeks of a total knee replacement surgery, most patients are able to care for themselves and continue normal daily activities, including driving and walking. However, it may take anywhere between 3 months to one year to fully recover and experience all the benefits of the knee replacement surgery.

Total knee replacement may significantly improve your overall mobility, function, and flexibility. Total knee replacement patients are advised, however, to refrain from engaging in high impact sports such as running or skiing, as these activities can cause the replacement to deteriorate more quickly. Swimming, however, is an ideal form of exercise, since the sport improves muscle strength and endurance without exerting any pressure or stress on the replaced joint.

For an optimal outcome after total knee replacement surgery, it is important for patients to continue an outpatient physical therapy program along with home exercises during the healing process. Patients will be asked to continue exercising the muscles around the replaced joint to prevent scarring and contracture and to maintain muscle strength for joint stability. These exercises after surgery can reduce recovery time and lead to optimal strength and stability.

Future Operations

Though infrequent, patients with total knee replacements can require a second operation years later. The second operation may be necessary because of loosening of the prosthesis, fractures, or any other complications involving the replaced joint. Reoperations are generally not as successful as original operations, and they carry higher risks of complications.

Before making any decisions, it is important to consult your physician about your health and knee replacement options.

Signs You Need Knee Replacement Surgery

Joint pain, specifically knee pain, affects thousands of people around the world; and osteoarthritis is the most common reason for knee pain. If you have arthritis or have endured a traumatic knee injury, you may be a candidate for a total knee replacement. Before making the decision to get knee surgery, it’s important to speak directly with an orthopedist about the process, risks, and benefits. Total knee replacement surgery is typically a last resort when non-invasive treatment approaches have been unsuccessful. If you've tried a variety of treatments for your knee pain and you're not seeing results, it may be time to visit an orthopedist to talk about the possibility of a total knee replacement.

Here are some common signs that you may need knee replacement surgery:

• Your pain persists or recurs over time

• You have difficulty moving and performing daily activities

• Your knee aches during and after exercise

• Medication and using a cane aren’t delivering enough relief

• Your knee stiffens up from sitting

• You feel pain in rainy weather

• The pain prevents you from sleeping

• You feel a decrease in knee motion or are unable to bend or move your knee

• Your knees are stiff or swollen

• You have difficulty walking or climbing stairs

• You have difficulty getting in and out of chairs, bathtubs, etc.

• You feel a grating or grinding of your joints

• You’ve had a previous injury to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) of your knee

Knee replacement surgery—also known as knee arthroplasty—can help relieve pain and restore function in severely diseased knee joints. The procedure involves cutting away damaged bone and cartilage from your thighbone, shinbone, and kneecap and replacing it with an artificial joint (prosthesis) made of metal alloys, high-grade plastics, and polymers. Knee replacement surgery is a routine surgery performed on more than 600,000 people worldwide each year; and more than 90% of people who have had total knee replacement surgery have experienced improved knee function and reduced joint pain.

Before determining whether a knee total replacement is right for you, an orthopedic surgeon thoroughly assesses your knee's range of motion, stability, and strength using a variety of examinations and physical tests. The orthopedist will also analyze X-rays; the X-rays will help determine the extent of damage, as well as the size and shape of your knee. Your doctor can then choose from a variety of knee replacement prostheses and surgical techniques, considering your age, weight, activity level, knee size and shape, and overall health.

It usually takes 3-6 weeks to recover from knee replacement surgery, but everyone’s recovery time and progress can differ. After your recovery, you may be able to engage in various low-impact activities, such as walking, swimming, or biking. However, you should avoid higher impact activities, such as running, skiing, and tennis. It’s imperative you speak directly to your doctor about your post-surgery physical limitations and expectations.

For most patients, a total knee replacement provides pain relief, improved mobility, and an overall better quality of life. Knee replacement surgery can reduce joint pain and allow you to be more active, and most knee replacements can be expected to last more than 15 years. Before making any decisions, it’s important to remember to always consult a doctor regarding medical treatment.

For more information about knee replacement surgery including Conformis knee replacement, contact our knowledgeable staff today at Empire Surgical Solutions.