Throughout their lives, approximately one in five Americans will develop knee arthritis, a condition characterized by its destructive effects on joints and chronic pain. Although there indeed exist nonsurgical ways to treat this problem, surgical options remain the most effective choice to fix the damage caused by arthritis. Arthritic knee joints may need to be repaired either partially or totally; these procedures are known as unicompartmental knee replacement and total knee replacement. Both procedures can help the patient; however, for those with less severely damaged joints, the former may be a better choice.
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Why Do I Need Knee Surgery?
The knee is the largest and strongest joint in our body. It is made up of:
- The lower end of the femur (thighbone)
- The upper end of the tibia (shinbone)
- The patella (kneecap)
The ends of our bones are covered in a smooth and slippery surface, known as cartilage. This allows the bones to move against each other without friction, and protects your joint from stress.
Your knee also has two other rings of a different type of cartilage known as menisci or meniscus, which help to share weight evenly across your knee joint, and there’s also cartilage underneath your kneecap.
Everyone’s joints naturally undergo cycles of damage and repair over their lifetime. However, sometimes the body’s repair process can lead to changes in joint shape or structure. When these alterations occur in your joints, it’s the moment when you develop osteoarthritis.
Your knee joints can also be affected by an injury (Posttraumatic arthritis) or an autoimmune disease (Rheumatoid arthritis). In any case, all types result in the same alteration of daily life and the unreliability of knee joints.
Doctor Berkman can help you address this situation. He will need to review your medical history, perform a physical examination, and order tests such as blood work, X-rays, and an MRI to thoroughly understand your case. After that, he will explain which type of knee surgery is best for you and why.
What is the Best Procedure for Me in Bellaire, Texas: Unicompartmental Knee Replacement or Total Knee Replacement?
Unicompartmental Knee Replacement
Our knee has three compartments: the medial (inside), lateral (outside), and patellofemoral (kneecap area). Every compartment helps to accomplish the natural function of your knee. Unicompartmental knee replacement is a targeted procedure that replaces only the affected compartment of your knee joint. It isn’t suitable for all patients, as it requires a low level of joint damage.
During the procedure, your surgeon will remove the damaged cartilage and bone from the damaged compartment and replace it with metal and plastic components, preserving the healthy parts of your knee. Among the benefits of this procedure, we find:
- Quicker recovery period relative to full knee replacement.
- Less invasive surgery.
- A smaller incision.
- Reduced blood loss.
It is important to consider that if arthritis is identified in additional compartments of the knee during surgery, Dr. Berkman may need to make an immediate intraoperative decision to proceed with a total knee replacement instead of the initially planned procedure, since not always does preoperative imaging show the extent of knee damage.
Total Knee Replacement
Total knee replacement is a more common procedure where all three compartments of the knee joint are replaced with prosthetic components. This surgery is typically recommended when arthritis or damage affects multiple compartments of the knee.
Total knee replacement significantly reduces pain and helps restore function in severely damaged knees. Patients will experience a significant reduction in pain after surgery, allowing them to resume activities previously limited by discomfort. Many implants have a lifespan of 15 to 20 years or longer.
The recovery process can also be lengthier, requiring extensive physical therapy and rehabilitation. If there is significant joint damage or if conservative treatments have not provided relief to your knees, in such cases, Total knee replacement surgery is probably the best available solution.
Get Your Total Knee or Unicompartmental Knee Replacement in Bellaire, Texas
Both unicompartmental and total knee replacement offer life-changing benefits for patients suffering from chronic knee pain. If you’re considering surgery, schedule a comprehensive evaluation with Dr. Erick Berkman, a surgeon who specializes in both procedures. Through some studies, we can assess your knee’s condition and recommend the most appropriate method based on your unique case.
If you have any questions or concerns, schedule an appointment with our Total Knee Replacement Surgeon, Dr. Eric Berkman, MD, through this link.
Your Total Knee Replacement Surgeon in Bellaire, Texas
Recovery after such surgery is a gradual and multifaceted process. Each phase serves an important purpose, from managing pain and swelling to regaining strength and mobility. With patience, dedication, and guidance from healthcare providers, most patients can return to a whole, active life within a year. Your total knee replacement surgeon can guide you through your recovery journey, providing the expertise needed for a smoother recovery.
If you have any questions or concerns, schedule an appointment with our Total Knee Replacement Surgeon, Dr. Eric Berkman, MD, through this link.
RECOVER YOUR MOBILITY