Knee Replacement Surgery

• Knee osteoarthritis is the main cause of knee pain in the elderly, younger adults who have experienced a knee injury, and those with underlying health conditions that result in cartilage damage. If left untreated, the condition can cause the bone endings in the knee to gradually deteriorate, which could lead to deformities and severe knee pain.
• Knee replacement surgery is the preferred option among patients who have used medication without success for an extended period, or for those who have undergone other unsuccessful forms of treatment for their disorder.
• There are several factors to consider when selecting the type of knee replacement procedure to undertake, including age, weight, activity level, body shape, and the general health of the patient.

With modern medical techniques, knee replacement surgeries now have a much higher chance of success and take less time to complete than in the past. This means that a solution is available for those with chronic knee pain or for patients who have sustained serious knee damage. These patients will generally have tried lengthy courses of medication or other types of treatment for their knee pain without success.

Knee replacement surgery is a procedure involving the removal of damaged cartilage and the knee joint, replacing them with an artificial joint made from metal alloys and fixed into place with a special form of cement. The replacement joint also has a polyethylene coating capable of taking the weight placed through the joint, which means patients can make a return to their daily lives within just a few days after undergoing surgery.

• Arthritis can occur due to rheumatism or an infection in the knee joint. Chronic arthritis is capable of causing a thickening of the muscle tissue surrounding the joint and over-production of synovial fluid, which results in swelling of the knee that may appear red and feel hot with severe knee pain. If left untreated, chronic arthritis can lead to the destruction of otherwise healthy bones in the knee.
• Osteoarthritis is most common among patients over 50 due to meniscus and cartilage degeneration with age.
• Knee joint damage may also be caused by a serious accident involving a heavy impact to the knee that resulted in a fracture. Patients who have previously undergone a knee operation can also experience similar symptoms.

1. Knee pain

The pain is especially severe when walking up and down stairs, although serious knee pain can also occur when sitting or lying down. Patients may experience shooting pain walking up and down stairs, while putting on socks or shoes, standing up from a seated position or during sleep. This pain may also result in walking abnormalities.

2. Arthritis involving redness and inflammation

Constant and chronic knee pain over an extended period can lead to inflammation and other complications, involving redness and inflammation of the knee joint. If you experience these symptoms, you should seek medical consultation to determine the best course of treatment.

3. Deformities affecting the knee

Knee deformities can affect walking and balance, which can result in back pain that spreads to the hips. Knee deformities can cause patients to walk with a limp and can lead to spinal disorders. People suffering from such issues may be required to undergo knee replacement surgery to accurately address the issue.

4. Being unable to fully extend the knee

This can lead to walking bow-legged, as well as placing the muscle surrounding the knee at risk of atrophy, or may cause severe pain when getting up from a sitting position.

• The first step is a basic health examination including a look at the patient’s medical history, especially regarding any pain, abnormalities, walking capabilities, and general usage of the joint.
• An X-ray may be necessary to accurately assess knee damage.
• MRI scans will be utilized to check the cartilage, tendon, and musculoskeletal situation of the knee.

Knee replacement surgery can be carried out at various stages of life depending on the patient’s symptoms and the severity of their condition. There are two main types of knee replacement surgery:

1. Total Knee Replacement

Total knee replacement surgery, also called total knee arthroplasty (TKA) involves removing the damage compartment of the knee both at the femur and the tibia, including both the medial and lateral compartments, before replacing them with an artificial joint (prosthesis) made of metal alloys and polyethylene. This procedure offers a range of benefits, although it is generally only used in cases where severe damage has been sustained to the cartilage and tendons of the joint. Patients tend to be over age 60, often suffering from leg deformities, because this procedure offers a single solution for all of these issues.

2. Unicompartmental Knee Replacement

Unicompartmental knee replacement surgery also involves the removal of the damaged compartment of the knee at the femur and the tibia, but only one of the medial or lateral compartments is removed and replaced with a special alloy material and polyethylene to support and replace the meniscus. The procedure is suited to patients with less severe bone damage that may only affect a single compartment. Indeed, unicompartmental knee replacement is attractive to these patients because it preserves any undamaged sections of the joint, including the tendons. This makes it possible for patients to rely on their knee almost as much as they would have before the damage was caused, with most cases able to place weight through the joint within just 1 or 2 days after surgery.

However, this form of surgery must only be carried out after a specialist has carefully diagnosed the condition, including a thorough analysis of the knee’s pathology, range of movement, stability, and strength. Furthermore, decisions regarding the replacement material and surgical technique are dependent on the age, weight, activity level, body shape, and general health of the patient involved.

After surgery, patients must act in accordance with their doctor’s advice. This includes the use of a walking stick during the initial stages of recovery, which is especially important for elderly patients. Considerations should also be given to the layout of furniture in the home to ensure safety can be maintained. Additionally, follow-up appointments allow the doctor to monitor symptoms and assess any side effects, such as post-surgery infections, a seized knee joint, difficulties with extension and flexion, or a dislocated knee soon after surgery. It is vital that patients attend all appointments as directed by their doctor to reduce the chance of injury.

The Knee Health Center at Samitivej Hospital, Bangkok not only provides surgical treatment for knees but is also a holistic care provider that offers a complete range of knee care services. Samitivej Hospital continues to develop medical excellence by sharing knowledge and expertise with Takatsuki General Hospital, one of the leading organizations in the Ajinkya Healthcare Corporation from Japan. Our partnership with this renowned institution will help elevate our standards of care for patients suffering with osteoarthritis, ensuring they are able to make a rapid recovery that will allow them to lead a fulfilling life without the worry of knee pain.

• Treatment Plan Consultation with a doctor via online video-call (second opinion)
• Treatment Planning if you have medical records or a price estimate from another hospital
• Cost Planning by our Appraisals Team with price guarantee (only for procedure packages without complications)
• Check Initial Coverage Eligibility with Thai and international insurance companies (only for insurance companies in contract with the Hospital)