Knee replacement surgery treats severe joint diseases like osteoarthritis and more. Discover causes, symptoms, and treatments of leading conditions.
Below, we cover the leading conditions that may require knee replacement surgery. We detail the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment for each.
In this article:
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Osteoarthritis
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Rheumatoid Arthritis
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Post-Traumatic Arthritis
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Knee Deformities
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee is a progressive condition that occurs due to wear and tear and gradual loss of the articular cartilage. Cartilage covers the ends of the bone, acting as a shock absorber and allowing the ends to glide over each other. When the cartilage breaks down, the joint becomes painful, stiff, and inflamed.
Cause
The exact cause of OA is unknown. It’s suspected that “wear and tear” is the primary cause. However, long-time athletes show no increased rates of OA. Nonetheless, some risk factors include repetitive activities or physical jobs, a family history of OA, being overweight or obese, and a previous injury in the area.
Symptoms
Knee osteoarthritis usually presents with:
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Pain: Especially during or after movement.
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Stiffness: Notable upon waking or after inactivity.
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Swelling: Around the knee joint.
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Decreased Range of Motion: Limited ability to move the knee fully.
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Grinding Sensation: Feeling or hearing a grating or clicking in the knee.
Diagnosis & Treatment
Most doctors can diagnose knee OA based on the medical history and physical examination. Imaging studies, such as X-rays or CT scans, confirm the diagnosis and assess the severity of damage. The condition is usually graded in four stages, from mild joint changes to severe narrowing of the joint, presence of bone spurs, extra bone growth, and cyst formation.
Treatment is initially conservative, involving anti-inflammatory medications like NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen and naproxen) and steroid injections. Physical therapy and weight loss are also advisable.
If you no longer experience symptomatic relief from these treatments, knee replacement surgery is advised. The damaged sections of the knee are removed and replaced with prosthetics. Patients notice a sudden reduction in symptoms, although physical therapy is required to regain full function.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune condition in which the body’s own immune system attacks healthy cells in the joints. In the knee, RA damages the cartilage, ligaments, and joint capsule. It can also break down your bones.
Cause
The underlying cause of RA is poorly understood. It’s believed to be caused by a combination of factors, including genetics, viral or bacterial infections, and more. Environmental factors, such as diet, smoking, or alcohol consumption, influence the condition. The more inflamed your body becomes, the greater the joint damage.
Symptoms
Knee RA is an inflammatory condition. The symptoms are characteristic of inflammation (warmth, swelling, pain, redness, and loss of function).
Symptoms of knee rheumatoid arthritis include:
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Pain: Persistent and can occur at rest or during movement.
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Swelling: Around the knee joint.
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Stiffness: Especially in the morning or after periods of inactivity.
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Warmth: Around the affected joint.
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Deformity: Joint damage leading to changes in the shape or alignment of the knee.
Other systemic symptoms like exhaustion, weight loss, nerve tingling, or appetite loss are also common.
Diagnosis & Treatment
Your doctor will begin your diagnosis with a complete medical history and physical examination. If they suspect RA, your blood will be tested for inflammatory markers (e.g., ESR and CRP) and rheumatoid markers (e.g., rheumatoid factor and anti-CCP).
Imaging studies can determine the severity of the condition. Ultrasound scans, X-rays, and MRI scans show the damage to the bone and surrounding tissues.
Treatment begins with medication. Corticosteroids, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), and biologics try to reduce inflammation and slow the progression of the condition.
If the condition continues to worsen, surgery is the final option. That can include repairing damaged ligaments or tendons, reshaping bone, or undergoing a complete knee replacement surgery. In this option, the joint is replaced with an artificial plastic or metal alternative.
Post-Traumatic Arthritis
Post-traumatic arthritis (PTA) develops after an injury to the knee, such as fractures, ligament tears, or meniscus damage. Such injuries disrupt the normal joint mechanics, leading to increased wear and tear over time. Even after the initial injury heals, the joint may not function smoothly.
Cause
The knee is highly susceptible to damage. The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is commonly torn due to sudden jerky movements. Meanwhile, meniscus tears may occur alongside other injuries (e.g., an ACL tear) or due to weakening from age. Any knee injury increases the risk of PTA.
Symptoms
Post-traumatic arthritis in the knee usually presents with:
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Pain: Persistent and worsens with activity.
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Swelling: Frequent, particularly after use.
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Stiffness: Reduced range of motion, especially after periods of inactivity.
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Instability: The knee may feel unstable or give way.
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Tenderness: Around the affected joint.
Diagnosis & Treatment
As with any arthritis, the condition is diagnosed by medical history, physical examination, and imaging studies such as X-rays or MRIs to assess joint damage.
Treatment typically starts conservatively with pain management, physical therapy, and activity modification. In more severe cases, surgical options, including knee replacement surgery, may be necessary to restore function and alleviate pain.
Knee Deformities
Bow-legged (Varus Deformity)
A condition where the knees bow outward, creating a gap between the knees when the ankles are together.
Symptoms: Pain and instability in the knee, increased wear on the inner knee joint.
Treatment: Bracing, physical therapy, and, in severe cases, corrective surgery or knee replacement.
Knock-kneed (Valgus Deformity)
A condition where the knees angle inward and touch each other when the legs are straightened.
Symptoms: Pain and instability, particularly on the outer knee, and uneven wear on the joint.
Treatment: Orthotics, physical therapy, and surgery, including knee replacement, for severe cases.
Genu Recurvatum (Hyperextension)
A deformity where the knee extends beyond the normally straightened position, bending backwards.
Symptoms: Knee pain, instability, and increased risk of injury.
Treatment: Strengthening exercises, bracing, and, in severe cases, surgical correction or knee replacement.
Knee Replacement Surgery Abroad with Kardiolita Hospital
Whatever the underlying cause of your knee problem, you don’t need to wait for surgery. Knee replacement surgery waiting lists in Ireland are extensive – and they’re no better in the UK. Even if you choose to go private, the knee surgery price in Ireland is exceptionally high.
The answer? Kardiolita Hospital is a trusted orthopaedic centre located in Lithuania. With fantastic outcomes and a low rate of complications, we provide high-quality knee replacement surgery at a fraction of the cost. In fact, you can expect to pay around 10% of the average knee surgery price in Ireland.
For knee replacement surgery abroad, choose Kardiolita Hospital. Get in touch today to learn more.
