🦵 Knee Replacement (Knee Arthroplasty)
🔹 What It Is
Knee replacement is a surgical procedure where a damaged knee joint (usually from arthritis or injury) is replaced with an artificial implant made of metal + plastic parts.
It is one of the most common and successful orthopedic surgeries.

🔹 Types of Knee Replacement
1.Total Knee Replacement (TKR)
. Entire knee joint is replaced.
. Most common type.
2.Partial Knee Replacement (PKR)
. Only the damaged portion of the knee (medial, lateral, or kneecap area) is replaced.
. Preserves more natural bone & ligaments.
3.Revision Knee Replacement
. A second surgery if the first implant fails, loosens, or gets infected.
4.Robotic Knee Replacement
. A newer technique using robotic assistance for precise implant placement.

🔹 Why It’s Done (Indications)
. Severe osteoarthritis (wear-and-tear arthritis).
. Rheumatoid arthritis (inflammatory arthritis).
. Post-traumatic arthritis (after injury).
. Knee deformities (bow legs / knock knees).
. Severe pain and stiffness that limit walking, climbing stairs, or daily activities.

🔹 Implant Materials
. Metal on Plastic (most common).
. Ceramic on Plastic (smooth, less wear).
. Ceramic on Ceramic (durable but less common).
. Metal on Metal (rarely used today).

🔹 Benefits
✅ Relief from chronic knee pain.
✅ Improved mobility & function.
✅ Better quality of life.
✅ Long-lasting results (implants usually last 15–20 years).

🔹 Risks & Complications
⚠️ Infection.
⚠️ Blood clots.
⚠️ Stiffness or limited movement.
⚠️ Implant loosening or wear over time.
⚠️ Nerve or blood vessel injury (rare).

🔹 Recovery Timeline
. Hospital stay: 3–5 days (shorter with minimally invasive/robotic surgery).
. Walking with support: 1–2 days after surgery.
. Climbing stairs: 3–6 weeks.
. Return to normal daily activities: 6–8 weeks.
. Full recovery: ~3–6 months (sometimes up to 1 year).