Different Types of Knee Implants in Knee Replacement Surgery
People’s bodies undergo several changes as they age, and some may get excruciating knee pain that makes regular tasks challenging. Acupuncture, physiotherapy, medicine, and other treatments can generally alleviate normal pain, but occasionally the pain persists. In certain situations, physicians might suggest knee replacement surgery. In this surgery, a metal or plastic prosthetic joint known as an implant is used to replace the injured knee joint. Depending on the situation, the doctor will remove all or a portion of the knee joint and replace it with the new artificial components. Many patients report a considerable decrease in pain following knee replacement surgery.
When is it necessary to get knee replacement surgery?
- For a number of reasons, knee replacement surgery may be advised, including:
- Persistent knee pain that is resistant to other therapies
- Bone abnormalities such as bow legs or knocking knees
- Stiff and painful arthritis
- Discomfort or inflammation that persists even when you’re sleeping or relaxing
- Joint injuries from sports or everyday activities
Components of an Knee Implant
A knee implant mainly consists of three parts, each of which has an important role to play in restoring knee health and its functioning:
- The Tibial Component:
This component is mainly flat; it is constructed of two parts metal and plastic (polyethylene). It joins to the tibia (shin bone). The metal part sits on top of the tibia, and it contains a stem that goes inside the tibia for extra stability. The plastic part, called the tibial spacer, acts as a cushion between the metal tibial piece and the femoral (thigh bone) component. - The Femoral Component:
This Component is Constructed of ceramic or metal, the femoral component is the greatest curved portion. It is fastened to the femur’s (thigh bone) end. Cobalt-chromium alloys and other materials are mainly used to make this component. When the knee bends and straightens, it facilitates the smooth movement of the third component, the patellar component. - The patellar component:
The patellar component is a dome-shaped piece that replaces the damaged kneecap (patella). It rests against the femoral component and helps the knee to move properly. The alignment of these two parts is very important for the well functioning of the knee. The patellar component is usually made of durable plastic (polyethylene) and is held in place by the patellar and quadriceps tendons. Not all knee surgeries use this component, but it is common in most cases.
Knee Implants TypesDuring knee replacement surgery, various types of knee implants are available as options. The type of knee implants that will be used in each person’s surgery will be decided according to the patient’s age, weight, activity level, knee issue, and general health; all these things will be considered when selecting the knee implant for the surgery. The following are a few popular varieties of knee implants:Unrestricted implants: In this implant, there are no physically connected elements present. For keeping the implant stable, it depends on the muscles and ligaments of the knee. During the surgery, the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is often removed.2. Implants that are semi-constrained: These implants are chosen in those cases where the PCL is injured or unstable. A hinge connects the implant’s two components, adding to its stability.3. Restricted implants: When the knee is extremely unstable, these implants are utilized. The implant’s two components are joined by a hinge and have a lengthy stem that connects them to the bones on each side.4. Cemented implants: A unique, quick-drying bone cement is used to cement implants to the native bone. This was how knee replacement surgery was traditionally performed.5. Plastic on metal. The most popular kind of implant is metal on Plastic It has a polyethylene plastic spacer connected to the tibial component that supports the metal femoral component. Cobalt-chromium, titanium, zirconium, and nickel are among the metals that are frequently utilized. The least expensive implant type with the best safety record and longest implant lifespan is metal-on-plastic.6. Ceramic on plastic: This implant uses a ferromal of a ceramic component instead of using metal.It rides on a plastic spacer as well. The ceramic type may be chosen by those who are sensitive to the nickel used in metal implants. This kind of implant’s plastic particles may also trigger an immunological response.7. Metal on metal: These implants use metal alloys like cobalt-chromium or titanium for both the femoral and tibial components. It is mainly known for its durability and strength; this implant is suitable for those patients who need a strong solution. However, they can experience higher friction and wear over time, and there are some issues that will arise with this implant, like the release of metal into the body that will cause complications.8. Ceramic on ceramic: These implants feature both femoral and tibial components made of ceramic, known for their strength, smoothness, and wear resistance. They’re ideal for those patients who are actively seeking long-lasting durability. However, ceramic is more brittle than other implant’s material, so more care needs to be taken to avoid fractures
Choosing the Right Knee Implant
You should take the help of your doctor to choose the right implant based on your specific needs. They will consider a few things before considering the right implant for your knee, like age, activity level, knee problem you are facing, and overall health. These all will be considered for the best implant for you.
Conclusion
It often takes people from weeks to months for full recovery from knee replacement surgery. Most of the people resume their daily activities when the discomfort goes gradually with time. For complete recovery, it is crucial to follow the doctor’s recommendations and also take appropriate care of the knee after the surgery. It will be better to talk with a specialist orthopedic physician who can help you navigate the procedure if you’re thinking of having knee replacement surgery.
If you want expert guidance in the orthopedic field, then you can visit Amicare Hopsital, Indirapuram, Ghaziabad. Doctors here are specialized in knee replacement surgeries and will help you in choosing the right treatment for your knee problems. Amicare Hospital comes up with the latest orthopedic care and has experienced surgeons in this field who can provide you with excellent treatment options for all types of knee issues.
