When Is An Artificial Knee Joint Needed?

Knee arthroplasty, knee replacement, or artificial knee joint (ข้อ เข่า เทียม which is the term in Thai) is usually suggested when a person’s native knee joint is significantly injured or deteriorated, causing ongoing discomfort, limited mobility, and diminished quality of life. A person’s ability to go about their everyday life is a major factor in determining whether or not they should have knee replacement surgery. The following are some of the most prevalent reasons why a prosthetic knee may be necessary:

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease, is the leading cause of knee replacement. Osteoarthritis causes pain, stiffness, and functional loss in the knee joint as the protecting cartilage breaks away with time.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

The knee is one of the joints that can be affected by the autoimmune disease rheumatoid arthritis. To relieve discomfort and improve joint function, knee replacement surgery may be necessary in severe situations.

Trauma Injuries

Traumatic injuries that cause severe damage to joints, like dislocations or fractures, can eventually lead to post-traumatic arthritis. Knee replacement surgery is an option to explore when non-invasive methods of treatment fail.

Failed Past Treatments

Knee replacement may be suggested as a more permanent solution when conservative treatments like medication, physical therapy, and joint injections do not alleviate discomfort and functional restrictions.

Deformities

Some people have discomfort and limited mobility due to knee abnormalities that can be either congenital or acquired. To alleviate these abnormalities and restore proper joint alignment, knee replacement surgery may be an option.

Limited Mobility

When joint deterioration substantially limits the range of motion and mobility of the knee, compromising the person’s ability to do fundamental tasks, knee replacement may be considered to restore function.

Age And Health Factors

Knee replacement can be done on people of all ages; age is just one of several factors. The decision-making process, however, takes the patient’s general health and medical history into account.

Be advised that the choice to have knee replacement surgery is a team effort involving both you and your healthcare provider. Before suggesting the operation, the surgeon will take the patient’s general health, way of life, and the extent to which knee pain interferes with everyday tasks into account. Patients thinking about having knee replacement surgery should talk to their doctor about the pros and downsides of the procedure in detail because, although it usually helps with pain and function, it is a major surgical intervention. Thus, all options must be looked into.