Knee arthritis is one of the most common causes of chronic knee pain and stiffness, and it’s the main reason many people turn to knee replacement surgery. But what exactly is arthritis, and why does it wreak havoc on our knees?

At its core, arthritis is inflammation of the joints, and when it affects the knee, it can make everyday movements feel like a monumental task. The most common form of arthritis that leads to knee replacement is osteoarthritis, which happens when the cartilage that cushions the knee joint gradually wears down. Without this protective layer, the bones in your knee rub against each other, causing pain, swelling, and loss of mobility.

When arthritis strikes the knee, it doesn’t just cause occasional pain—it can affect your entire way of life. The knee joint becomes stiff, swollen, and painful, making it difficult to walk, stand, or perform basic activities. As the cartilage continues to wear away, bone spurs may form, and the joint can become misaligned, creating a grinding or “bone-on-bone” sensation.

The result? Daily activities like getting out of a chair, walking up stairs, or playing with your kids or grandkids can become unbearable. The pain can be constant or flare up with movement, leaving you with reduced mobility and a lower quality of life.

In the early stages of arthritis, treatments like anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes (such as weight loss and low-impact exercise) can help manage symptoms.

However, as the condition progresses, these options often become less effective. When arthritis severely damages the knee and non-surgical treatments no longer provide relief, knee replacement becomes the best option for restoring function and reducing pain.

Knee pain can sneak up on you slowly or hit all at once after an injury, but knowing when it’s time to seriously consider knee replacement surgery can be a tough decision. It’s not uncommon to spend years trying non-surgical treatments—like medication, physical therapy, or injections—in the hopes of finding relief.

However, when these options no longer ease the pain or allow you to move freely, knee replacement may be your best chance to regain your quality of life.

Non-Surgical Options to Try First

Before considering surgery, doctors often recommend a range of non-invasive treatments, including:

• Physiotherapy: Exercises designed to strengthen the muscles around the knee and improve joint flexibility can help manage arthritis.
• Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, or prescription medications can help manage pain and inflammation.
• Corticosteroid or Hyaluronic Acid Injections: These injections can offer temporary relief by reducing inflammation or lubricating the knee joint.
• Lifestyle Modifications: Losing weight, knee supports and braces or switching to low-impact activities such as cycling can reduce load on the knee.

When it comes to knee replacement surgery, not all procedures are created equal.  Depending on the extent of the damage to your knee, your surgeon may recommend either a partial or a total knee replacement. Each has its own benefits and considerations, and understanding the differences can help you make an informed decision about what’s best for your situation.

Partial Knee Replacement

In a partial knee replacement, only the damaged portion of the knee is replaced. This surgery is typically recommended for patients whose arthritis or injury is limited to just one part of the knee, leaving the rest of the joint healthy.

The most common area affected by arthritis is the medial compartment (the inside of the knee), but the lateral (outside) or patellofemoral (kneecap) compartments can also be treated.

Benefits of Partial Knee Replacement:

• Less Invasive: Because the surgery only involves a portion of the knee, it’s generally less invasive than a total knee replacement.
• Quicker Recovery: Patients often experience a faster recovery time and regain mobility sooner.
• More Natural Feel: By preserving more of your natural knee structure, a partial knee replacement often feels more like your own knee post-surgery.
• Considerations: Partial knee replacement is only suitable for a select group of patients whose knee damage is confined to one area. Additionally, while recovery is quicker, there’s a higher likelihood that arthritis could progress in the remaining parts of the knee, potentially leading to a full knee replacement down the line.

Total Knee Replacement

A total knee replacement (TKR) involves replacing all three compartments of the knee: the medial, lateral, and patellofemoral. This is the more common procedure and is recommended for patients with widespread arthritis or knee damage throughout the joint.

Benefits of Total Knee Replacement:

• Comprehensive Solution: By addressing the entire knee joint, TKR offers long-lasting pain relief for those with extensive joint damage.
• Proven Success: TKR has a high success rate and is considered one of the most reliable surgeries for restoring mobility and reducing pain.
• Durability: The artificial joint components can last 15-20 years or more, making it a solid long-term solution for chronic knee pain.
• Considerations: Total knee replacement is a more invasive surgery, which means a longer recovery time and more intensive rehabilitation. However, for patients with severe knee arthritis or damage, the comprehensive nature of this surgery makes it the most effective solution.

The decision between partial and full knee replacement depends on the extent of the damage in your knee, your overall health, and your lifestyle goals. While partial knee replacement offers a quicker recovery and a more natural feel, total knee replacement may be necessary if arthritis or damage is widespread.

As technology continues to revolutionise the field of medicine, knee replacement surgery is no exception. One of the most exciting advancements is Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted Surgery, which is transforming how partial and total knee replacements are performed. If you’re considering knee replacement, it’s worth understanding how Mako robotics can make a significant difference in your surgical outcome.

Mako Robotics is a cutting-edge technology that uses a robotic arm guided by the surgeon to perform knee replacement surgery with greater precision and accuracy. The process begins with a CT scan of your knee, which is used to create a 3D model of your knee joint. This model helps the surgeon plan every detail of the surgery with exceptional accuracy, tailored to your specific anatomy.

During the procedure, the Mako system assists the surgeon by providing real-time feedback and ensuring that only the damaged areas of the knee are removed, preserving as much healthy bone and tissue as possible. The robotic arm doesn’t replace the surgeon but enhances their ability to perform the procedure with more control and precision.

Using the 3D model, the surgeon can develop a customized plan that accounts for your unique knee structure. This means the implant is placed with more accuracy than traditional methods, improving the fit and function of your new knee. This accuracy can lead to a more natural-feeling knee and less trauma to the surrounding tissue, which can lead to faster recovery times and a more normal feeling knee.

The integration of robotics into knee replacement isn’t just about improving the surgeon’s ability to perform the surgery—it’s about giving patients better results. For individuals who are active, want to return to their hobbies, or simply want the peace of mind that their knee replacement will last longer, Mako Robotics is becoming the gold standard.

As more surgeons adopt this technology, patients are increasingly benefiting from more personalised, precise procedures that reduce complications and lead to better long-term outcomes. Mako Robotics represents the future of knee replacement surgery, offering a combination of advanced technology and expert surgical skill.

Knee replacement surgery represents a powerful step toward reclaiming a pain-free, active lifestyle. Whether you’re struggling with the constant discomfort of arthritis or have tried various treatments without lasting relief, knee replacement can be a life-changing solution. The advancements in medical technology, especially with innovations like Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted Surgery, are making this journey safer, more precise, and more effective than ever before.

The Sharp Physio Team