Our Summary

This study is about the different terms used to describe types of knee surgery. At the moment, there are many different words and acronyms being used, which can confuse patients and healthcare professionals. The researchers believe that having a standardized way of naming these procedures will help improve patient safety, record keeping, communication, and payment processes.

To come up with a better system, the researchers first looked at medical literature to identify all the terms currently being used. They then surveyed orthopedic surgeons, trainees, and biomechanical engineers to see which terms they preferred.

Based on their responses, the researchers suggest using “bi-unicondylar arthroplasty” (Bi-UKA) to describe surgery that replaces both the medial and lateral compartments of the knee; “medial bi-compartmental arthroplasty” (BCA-M) and “lateral bi-compartmental arthroplasty” (BCA-L) to describe surgeries that replace either the inner or outer knee compartment along with the knee cap compartment; and “tri-compartmental arthroplasty” (TCA) to describe surgeries that replace all three compartments of the knee. The term “combined partial knee arthroplasty” (CPKA) was suggested as a broad term to cover all these procedures.

In simpler terms, the study is about creating a clearer and more consistent way to name different types of knee surgery procedures.

FAQs

  1. What is the purpose of standardizing the terms used to describe types of knee surgery?
  2. How did the researchers determine the preferred terms for the different types of knee surgery?
  3. Can you explain the suggested terms for the different types of knee surgeries?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about knee replacement is to follow the post-operative rehabilitation plan diligently. This includes doing prescribed exercises to strengthen the muscles around the knee, attending physical therapy sessions, and gradually increasing activity levels as advised by the healthcare team. Consistent rehabilitation is crucial for a successful recovery and optimal function of the knee replacement.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended knee replacement surgery are those who are experiencing severe knee pain that limits their daily activities, have significant joint damage due to arthritis or injury, have not found relief from other treatments such as medication or physical therapy, and have a decreased quality of life due to their knee condition. These patients may have difficulty walking, climbing stairs, or getting up from a seated position. Additionally, patients who have advanced osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or post-traumatic arthritis are often candidates for knee replacement surgery.

Timeline

Before knee replacement surgery:

  1. Patient experiences chronic knee pain, stiffness, swelling, and limited mobility.
  2. Patient undergoes a series of diagnostic tests such as X-rays, MRI, and physical examinations to determine the extent of knee damage.
  3. Patient consults with an orthopedic surgeon to discuss treatment options, including knee replacement surgery.
  4. Patient undergoes pre-operative evaluations and preparations, including blood tests, medical history review, and physical therapy to strengthen the knee muscles.

After knee replacement surgery:

  1. Patient undergoes knee replacement surgery, where the damaged knee joint is replaced with an artificial implant.
  2. Patient undergoes post-operative care, including pain management, physical therapy, and rehabilitation to regain strength and mobility in the knee.
  3. Patient may experience temporary pain, swelling, and stiffness in the operated knee.
  4. Patient follows a rehabilitation program to gradually increase activity levels and improve knee function.
  5. Patient experiences improved joint function, reduced pain, and increased mobility in the replaced knee.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Questions a patient should ask their doctor about knee replacement surgery include:

  1. What type of knee replacement surgery am I a candidate for?
  2. What are the benefits and risks associated with the specific type of knee replacement surgery recommended for me?
  3. How long is the recovery process expected to take, and what can I expect in terms of pain management during this time?
  4. Will I need physical therapy after the surgery, and if so, for how long?
  5. What are the potential complications or side effects I should be aware of?
  6. How long can I expect the knee replacement to last before needing a revision surgery?
  7. Are there any restrictions or lifestyle changes I should be aware of after the surgery?
  8. What is the success rate of this type of knee replacement surgery, and what are the expected outcomes?
  9. How experienced are you in performing this specific type of knee replacement surgery?
  10. Are there any alternative treatments or procedures that I should consider before moving forward with knee replacement surgery?

Reference

Authors: Garner A, van Arkel RJ, Cobb J. Journal: Bone Joint J. 2019 Aug;101-B(8):922-928. doi: 10.1302/0301-620X.101B8.BJJ-2019-0125.R1. PMID: 31362558