The knee is one of the body’s largest and most complex joints connecting the thigh bone to the shin bone. Due to the complexity of the knee joint structure, it is also considered one of the most easily injured joints of the body.
Several knee injuries can be successfully treated with simple methods, such as bracing, rest, medications, exercise, physical therapy, and injection therapy. Others that don’t respond to these treatments may require surgery.
Let’s talk about some common types of surgeries performed on the knee and their procedures and where you can go for the treatment of your knee injury or condition in Farmington Hills, MI.
Common Types of Knee Surgeries
Typically, knee surgery is performed when knee pain is getting worse, when knee joint pain and inflammation are not getting better with other nonsurgical treatments, and when the knee joint is completely damaged by arthritis or an injury.
Typically, the type of knee surgery you may need depends on the extent of damage to your knee joint, your symptoms, mobility, and health status.
Here is a short guide to some commonly performed knee surgeries.
Total Knee Replacement Surgery
Total knee replacement is one of the most commonly performed surgeries on people who have suffered extensive knee damage due to an injury or degenerative condition like arthritis.
During the knee replacement procedure, your surgeon cuts down the front of your knee to expose the kneecap and moves the kneecap to expose the knee joint behind it. Then, the damaged ends of the shin and thigh bones are cut away. After cutting away bones, your surgeon places the artificial joint.
For total knee replacement, the part of the knee at the thighbone is replaced with a metal implant, while the portion of the knee at the shinbone is replaced with a plastic implant. In some cases, your surgeon may also replace the back of the knee cap.
Partial Knee Replacement Surgery
As the name suggests, this type of knee surgery is performed when only one side of your knee is damaged. Approximately 1 in 4 people who have osteoarthritis undergo this surgery.
Compared to total knee replacement surgery, in partial knee replacement surgery, a smaller cut is made, and less bone is removed. Moreover, the recovery period during this type of surgery is shorter than the total knee replacement surgery.
Kneecap Surgery
Kneecap surgery is performed when there is a break in your kneecap or patella due to a traumatic injury, such as a fall or blow to the kneecap.
During the surgery, the bone pieces that are too far from each other and have a hard time coming back together on their own are put back together by the surgeon. Your surgeon may use pins, screws, plates, or wires to reconnect the broken bone pieces.
Knee Surgery in Farmington Hills, MI
If you are experiencing knee pain that is not improving with time and nonsurgical treatments, visit us here at Tri County Orthopedics. We have a team of orthopedic surgeons who will thoroughly evaluate your knee condition and recommend the most suitable treatments, including knee surgery. Our surgeons may also perform minimally invasive procedures for your knee problem.
If you would like to make an appointment with one of our orthopedic surgeons for the evaluation of your knee condition, call us today at (248) 474-5575 or fill out our secure online appointment request form now. We look forward to serving you!
