Knee Arthroscopy Vs Knee Replacement
Knee arthroscopy or total knee replacement are options for patients, who tried conservative knee treatments, but couldn’t get rid of the pain. However, to choose the best-suited one, you must first understand the difference between knee arthroscopy and total knee replacement. So, let’s see what is knee arthroscopy and then what is total knee replacement.
What is Knee Arthroscopy?
Knee arthroscopy is suggested in cases that couldn’t be treated through non-surgical treatment such as physiotherapy, rest, and corticosteroid injections. It is a minimally invasive procedure that involves making tiny incisions and very thin fiber-optic tubes to enable the surgeon to see the problem and treat it accordingly. Some of the most common knee injuries treated through knee arthroscopy include,
- Removal of inflamed synovial tissue
- Repairing of a torn meniscus
- Trimming damaged articular cartilage
- Taking out loose bone pieces or cartilage
- Torn ACL reconstruction
The process involves tinier incisions. Hence, it causes lesser tissue damage, and the patient does not take as long to recover from the condition. Let us now see what total knee replacement is.
What is Total Knee Replacement?
Total knee replacement, as the name implies, involves replacing the knee. Surgeons remove small portions of the thigh bone, shinbone, patella, and damaged cartilage. Then, they replace the components, which is the knee joint, with metal and plastic prosthetic material. The artificial replacement joint works smoothly and is less likely to develop bone spurs, etc. Besides, the joint does not have any nerve endings. Hence, it wouldn’t send pain signals to the brain. Thus, total knee replacement relieves most people from knee pain.
Knee Arthroscopy or Total Knee Replacement – Which One to Choose?
The answer depends on the condition and diagnosis. Based on your case, doctors may not necessarily suggest surgical treatments first. They’ll try to cure knee pain through non-surgical methods.
However, if pain persists, depending on the situation, doctors would take the call – whether to go for knee arthroscopy or perform total knee replacement surgery. In many cases, doctors first prescribe knee arthroscopy. But if that doesn’t work, in most cases, they are left with no other option but to go for a total knee replacement. Nevertheless, it is best to let specialists decide the treatment option to choose.
For instance, patients, who want to preserve the flexibility of their leg at the knee, choose arthroscopy. But, on the other hand, if the patient is suffering from a disease in the knee joint, and if the disease has progressed to a point that will prove arthroscopy ineffective, doctors suggest total knee replacement.
Diagnose and Treat Your Knee Pain with Ranka Hospital
Ranka Hospital is a leading hospital in Pune to treat knee pain and related conditions. Led by the experienced Dr. Ramesh Ranka and his team, Ranka Hospital ensures appropriate diagnosis to recommend patients the best-suited treatment option – non-surgical, arthroscopy, or total knee replacement. Besides, the hospital leverages the latest surgical technology, experienced physiotherapists, and support staff to help patients recover speedily. To know more or for appointments, call 020 2426 1600.
