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Total Knee Replacement & Arthroscopy Differences

Because the knee is a weight bearing joint and is essential to walking, it is one of the most susceptible to injuries. When these injuries do occur, treatment options include arthroscopy and knee replacement. However, these are two different types of procedures, and patients should understand those differences.

  1. Procedures Explained

    • Arthroscopy combines exploratory efforts with surgery to correct the identified problems. Total knee replacement involves removing the damaged joint and replacing it with a metal joint.

    Problems Treated with Procedures

    • Arthroscopy can be used to treat a range of problems, including osteoarthritis, tears, joint injuries, and inflammatory or non-inflammatory conditions. Knee replacement is used to treat chronic knee problems that cause mobility limitations. Replacement is usually done as a last resort after physical therapy and other surgeries have failed.

    How Surgeries are Performed

    • Arthroscopy is performed under local, regional or general anesthesia. Small incisions are made around the knee so the arthroscope can be placed inside to identify the problem. Small surgical instruments are then used to remove or repair damaged areas. With knee replacement, the general or epidural anesthesia is used. The entire area around the knee is cut open, and the knee joint removed and replaced with an artificial one.

    Recovery

    • After arthroscopy, pain and swelling need to be controlled for a few days. The doctor also provides an exercise routine used to strengthen the knee joint. Recovery after knee replacement takes weeks. The patient will have to use crutches, will not be able to climb stairs and will require assistance with everyday tasks. Physical therapy for weeks or months is required to improve the success of the surgery.

    Results

    • On a study reported by ClinicalTrials.gov, found that the success rate for arthroscopy procedures ranged between 80 and 90%. According to Mayo Clinic, 95% of patients who undergo knee replacement surgery do have less pain and greater mobility.

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