Knee Joint Preservation Surgery -
When & Why do you need it?

Are you struggling with knee pain that seems to be getting worse day by day? Do you find it difficult to perform daily activities such as walking, climbing stairs, or standing for long periods?

If so, then knee joint preservation surgery might just be the solution you’ve been looking for. 

Let’s dive deeper into joint preservation, who can benefit from it, and how the procedure is performed. 

What is joint preservation surgery?

Joint preservation surgery is a medical approach that aims to maintain the integrity and function of a joint while treating or preventing conditions that can damage it. The goal of joint preservation is to prevent the need for joint replacement surgery, which is often a last-resort treatment for advanced joint damage.

Joint preservation surgery can include non-surgical treatments such as physical therapy, medications, and injections to reduce inflammation and pain and surgical interventions such as arthroscopy or joint reconstruction to repair or reconstruct damaged joint tissues.

Knee joint surgery focuses on the early detection, prevention, and treatment of joint problems to maintain joint health and function, particularly in young or active individuals who may be at higher risk for joint injuries or degenerative conditions. Joint preservation surgery can help individuals maintain mobility, independence, and quality of life.

Knee preservation versus knee replacement

When treating knee pain, there are two primary options: knee joint preservation surgery and knee replacement. Knee joint preservation surgery and knee replacement are two approaches for treating knee conditions, and they differ in their goals and methods.

Knee joint preservation surgery

• Knee preservation focuses on maintaining the natural knee joint and improving its function. It aims to prevent or delay the need for knee replacement surgery. 
• Knee preservation strategies may include physical therapy, medications, injections, and minimally invasive procedures such as arthroscopy. These treatments can help reduce pain, improve joint mobility, and strengthen the muscles around the knee. 
• Knee preservation is generally recommended for individuals with mild to moderate knee damage who have not yet developed advanced arthritis or significant joint deformities.

Knee replacement surgery

• Knee replacement surgery involves removing and replacing damaged joint surfaces with artificial components. 
• Knee replacement is typically recommended for individuals with advanced knee damage, severe arthritis, or significant joint deformities that cannot be treated with knee preservation strategies. 
• Knee replacement surgery can provide long-term pain relief, improve joint function, and restore mobility, but it is a major surgical procedure with potential risks and complications.
• The choice between knee preservation and knee replacement depends on the severity of the knee damage, the individual’s age, health status, activity level, and treatment goals.

Who might benefit from knee joint preservation surgery?

Knee joint preservation surgery is a specialized technique designed to help patients with knee issues preserve their natural joints, allowing them to maintain mobility and avoid the need for total knee replacement. But who might benefit from this procedure?

Anyone experiencing knee pain, swelling or stiffness that limits their ability to perform daily activities. This includes individuals with early-stage arthritis, athletes suffering from sports injuries, and those dealing with conditions like osteonecrosis or ligament tears.

Patients undergoing surgical interventions such as cartilage repair may also benefit from knee preservation techniques. It’s important to note that each case is unique and requires individualized evaluation by a qualified orthopaedic surgeon.

If you’re considering joint preservation surgery, you must consult an expert in the field of orthopaedics. 

How is joint preservation surgery performed as per various techniques

Knee joint preservation surgery may involve several different procedures, depending on the specific condition and the extent of damage to the knee joint. Here is a general overview of the process:

Evaluation and Diagnosis: Before surgery, the orthopaedic surgeon will conduct a thorough evaluation of the knee joint, including a physical exam, imaging tests such as X-rays or MRI scans, and a review of the individual’s medical history. This evaluation will help determine the cause and extent of the knee damage and guide the selection of the most appropriate surgical procedure.

Anaesthesia: Knee preservation surgery may be performed under general anaesthesia, which puts the individual to sleep, or under regional anaesthesia, which numbs only the lower part of the body.

Incision: The surgeon will make a small incision in the knee area to access the damaged joint.

Arthroscopy: In some cases, knee preservation surgery may involve arthroscopy, a minimally invasive procedure that uses a small camera and specialized tools to visualize and repair damaged joint tissues. During arthroscopy, the surgeon inserts the camera and tools through small incisions in the knee, allowing them to see and repair damaged cartilage, ligaments, or menisci.

Osteotomy: For individuals with knee damage that affects the alignment of the leg, the surgeon may perform an osteotomy to realign the bones of the leg and relieve pressure on the damaged knee joint. During an osteotomy, the surgeon cuts and reshapes the bone to correct the alignment and then secures it with plates, screws, or other hardware.

Cartilage Restoration: In some cases, knee preservation surgery may involve cartilage restoration techniques, such as autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) or osteochondral autograft transplantation (OATS). These procedures involve taking healthy cartilage from one part of the knee and using it to repair damaged cartilage in another part of the knee.

Closure: Once the procedure is complete, the surgeon will close the incision with sutures or staples and apply a dressing and a brace to support the knee during the initial recovery period.

After knee preservation surgery, the individual will need to undergo a period of rehabilitation, which may include physical therapy, exercise, and other treatments to help restore joint function and mobility. The length and intensity of rehabilitation will depend on the specific procedure and the individual’s recovery progress.

Consult Dr Rik Kundra to understand if you need Knee Joint Preservation surgery

If you are experiencing knee pain and discomfort, it is important to seek help from an expert in joint preservation surgery. Dr Rik Kundra is a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon with extensive experience in joint preservation techniques.

Dr Rik takes a personalised approach to patient care, tailoring his treatment plans to meet the unique needs of each individual. From non-surgical options like physical therapy and medication management to advanced surgical techniques like cartilage restoration and Osteotomy, he offers a range of cutting-edge treatments for knee joint preservation.

Don’t let chronic knee pain hold you back any longer. Contact Dr Rik Kundra today to schedule your consultation and start your journey towards better mobility and quality of life!