Exploring Various Types of Knee Surgery: The Pros and Cons

By Jacksonville Orthopaedic Institute Content Writers

Knee surgery is a common medical procedure that aids in alleviating pain, restoring mobility, and can improve the quality of life for those who suffer from knee pain. Advancements in medical technology have allowed research and improvement on many different types of knee surgery.

Now that there are several different types of surgery available depending on the condition or pain you have, it is important to look at the pros and cons.

Common Types of Knee Surgery

Arthroscopy:

Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that uses small incisions and a camera to diagnose and treat knee problems. Conditions and injuries like joint inflammation, torn cartilage, and ligament injuries often require an arthroscopy.

Pros:

• This procedure is considered to be minimally invasive, which means smaller incisions. Smaller incisions typically mean less tissue damage and quicker recovery times.
• Patients typically experience less post-op pain compared to open surgeries. This means faster recovery.
• Arthroscopy is usually done at outpatient clinics. This means no hospital stay for post-op.

Cons:

• An arthroscope is not suitable for all knee conditions. Some issues may require a more invasive procedure. There are some instances where arthroscopy doesn’t solve the problem entirely which can lead to a need for further treatment.
• Just like any other surgery, there is a risk of infection or complications related to anesthesia.

 Total Knee Replacement (TKR):

A Total knee replacement involves removing damaged cartilage and bone from the knee joint and replacing it. This procedure is commonly performed on patients with severe arthritis or joint damage.

Pros:

• Most patients experience significant pain relief after a TKR and have improved function after surgery.
• Modern prosthetic joints can last up to 20+ years, meaning this surgery can be beneficial to your long term quality of life.
• With the significant pain relief, many patients experience a regain in their range of motion. This allows them to return to their daily activities without the pain involved.

Cons:

• Rehab for TKR can take several weeks or even months to complete.
• All procedures have risks attached to them. There are risks for complications like infection, blood clots, or even prosthesis failure when it comes to TKR.
• Some patients may require an additional surgery if the prosthesis wears out or becomes loose.

Partial Knee Replacement (PKR):

Like a TKR, a partial knee replacement removes the damaged cartilage but leaves the healthy areas intact. This knee surgery is typically performed on people who suffer from localized arthritis or damage.

Pros:

• This surgery has smaller incisions and preserves the healthy tissue of the knee meaning it is less invasive and has a quicker recovery rate.
• Because of the quick recover rate, patients typically have a shorter rehabilitation experience and can return to their normal activities.
• PKR compared to TKR has a lower risk of complications.

Cons:

• PKR is limited for certain candidates and can only be done with specific types of knee damage. Many patients require TKR because of the amount of damage in their knee.
• A PKR does not prevent more damage from occurring. Some patients may need a TNR in the future if the rest of the knee deteriorates.
• Partial knee replacements may not last as long as a total knee replacement depending on the level of activity you do.

Osteomy:

An Osteomy is a knee surgery that requires cutting and reshaping of the bones around the knee to correct alignment issues. This is often used as an option for patients with arthritis who are not candidates for a PKR or TKR.

Pros:

• This procedure can delay the need for knee replacement by adjusting misalignment. This helps preserve the knee joint and push off any replacements.
• Surgeons can tailor the surgery based on the patient’s specific needs, anatomy, and condition.
• After this knee surgery, many experience improved function and reduced pain in the area.

Cons:

• Osteotomies are considered to be more complex and may require longer recovery time.
• While it can postpone joint replacement, that doesn’t mean the effects last indefinitely. After some time, you may experience some more deterioration which can lead to needing a PKR or TKR.
• This procedure also requires more post-op care like rehabilitation and close monitoring to ensure proper healing.

Patellar Surgery:

This type of surgery is more focused on conditions or injuries related to the patella or more commonly known as the “kneecap.” This knee surgery may involve realignment, repair, or resurfacing of the patella.

Pros:

• A patellar surgery directly addresses a problem with specific anatomy (the patella). This can lead to better outcomes since it is focused closely on a specific part of the knee.
• This type of knee surgery can improve knee function and aleve pain significantly.
• There are a variety of techniques available. Surgeons can choose from various methods based on the patient’s specific needs.

Cons:

• Recovery times for a patellar surgery can vary widely depending on the extent of the surgery or method used by the surgeon.
• Patients who decide to go this route have an increased risk of future dislocations or other knee problems.
• Physical therapy is usually necessary for optimal recovery and function after having patellar surgery. The time you spend doing physical therapy is dependent on your needs and technique used in surgery.

Choosing The Right Knee Surgery For You

Choosing the correct surgery for yourself is a critical decision that should be made after discussing with a qualified orthopedic physician. There are several factors that can affect the decision of surgery. Age, activity level, severity of condition or injury, and your overall health all are taken into account when picking the surgery for you.

Jacksonville Orthopaedic Institute

Our Physicians that are knee specialists here at Jacksonville Orthopaedic Institute are specialized in knee replacements and offer personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s unique needs. Our team at JOI uses cutting-edge techniques and modern advanced technology to give successful results and improve the lives of our patients. To learn more about knee surgeries at JOI, book an appointment online or call 904-JOI-2000 today to discuss the options available.