Knee Implants: Choosing The Right Fit For A Pain-Free Life
Knee pain can take away your ability to walk in the park, climb stairs or sleep comfortably. Knee implants give many individuals a renewed ability to move and live independently. There are so many types and technologies now, so how do you decide which implant is best for you?
If you or someone close to you needs a knee implant, learning about the different types and their benefits is the first thing to do. We will explain this topic using the insights of Dr. Rajesh Malhotra, a top expert in orthopedic care.
What Are Knee Implants and Who Needs Them?
Knee implants are used to replace the surfaces of the knee joint that have become damaged or worn out. Usually, these implants are suggested for people with severe osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or post-traumatic arthritis to ease their pain, restore their ability to function and improve their quality of life.
When medications, injections or physical therapy do not bring relief, knee replacement surgery may be considered. People with joint damage and limited movement, not only the elderly, may find relief from a knee implant.
Types of Knee Implants
Knowing the different knee implants allows you to choose the best one for your lifestyle, age, activity level and joint condition.
Fixed-Bearing Implants
The most typical kind, fixed-bearing implants have a stationary polyethylene insert placed between the metal parts. They are perfect for those who don’t move much and give long-lasting support with little wear.
Mobile-Bearing Implants
The implants make it possible for the insert to rotate a little which is more like natural movement. They are best for younger, active patients, but they depend on strong surrounding ligaments for the best outcome.
Cruciate-Retaining vs. Posterior-Stabilized Implants
Cruciate-Retaining (CR) implants allow the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) to stay which helps the knee move more naturally.
In PS implants, the PCL is removed and stability is provided by a cam-post mechanism.
Ligament health and the surgeon’s opinion are the main factors in deciding which type of surgery to perform.
Partial Knee Replacement (Unicompartmental)
If the arthritis is only in one section of the knee, you may only need a partial implant. It helps to preserve more bone and tissue and patients usually recover faster.
Custom-Fit Implants
3D imaging is used to make the implants fit the patient’s body. Choosing custom-fit implants may result in more comfort, better movement and longer-lasting results.
At our clinic, we evaluate your needs to recommend an implant that will give you the best results over time.
Knee implants made today are crafted from strong and biocompatible materials to ensure they last and are unlikely to be rejected by the body.
Most metal parts are made from cobalt-chromium alloys, titanium or stainless steel to ensure they are strong and durable.
High-quality polyethylene is employed on the bearing surface to minimize friction and wear.
Ceramic Coatings: Ceramic is sometimes used on implants to reduce allergic reactions to metal and make them last longer.
They are made to handle many years of use and pressure, just like a healthy knee joint.
Benefits of Knee Implants
For many, knee implants are life-changing because they provide many physical and mental benefits.
Most patients find that their chronic knee pain is greatly reduced.
Better Mobility: Be able to walk, use stairs and move freely again.
Better Life Quality: More independence, better sleep and the ability to enjoy daily activities.
Lasts Longer: Proper care of modern implants can help them last for 15–20 years or longer.
Feeling Better: Physical relief can lift your mood, making you less anxious and depressed due to chronic pain.
How to Choose the Right Implant
Deciding on the right implant is something you do together with your orthopedic specialist. There are several factors that affect the decision.
A person’s age and how active they are
The state of your bones and joints
If you have any medical problems or are allergic to metal
What you want your lifestyle to look like
Dr. Rajesh Malhotra believes in personal care, so he looks at every patient’s health, mobility and lifestyle before recommending the best implant.
Recovery and Long-Term Care
Patients can usually begin walking with support just a day or two after knee implant surgery. Early physical therapy is used to help patients recover their strength and movement.
To maintain success for a long time:
Make sure to follow the guidelines given by your rehab team.
Keep your body weight under control.
Choose exercises that are easy on your body.
Avoid participating in sports that cause a lot of impact or doing the same heavy lifting over and over.
Regular visits to Dr. Rajesh Malhotra’s Clinic allow your implant to be checked and your joints to be looked after.
When to See a Specialist for Knee Pain
If you have constant knee pain, swelling, stiffness or find it difficult to move, you should see an orthopedic expert. If your medication and therapy haven’t helped, a consultation may show if a knee implant is the best choice.
Putting off treatment can make your joints deteriorate, reduce your treatment choices and make it harder to recover. Intervening early usually results in better results.
Conclusion
Knee implants help people regain their ability to move and feel less pain. Because of the many choices and new materials, you can find a solution that fits your needs and goals. The first thing to do is to understand your options to make a good, informed decision.
Our clinic is known for providing advanced orthopedic care and custom knee implant treatments. We help you through all the stages of your care, from when you are diagnosed until you recover.