Knee Surgery: Understanding Its Many Names and Procedures

What is knee surgery called?

Knee surgery is a broad term encompassing a wide range of procedures, each specifically named based on the particular condition being treated, the structures involved, and the surgical technique employed. It is not a single operation but rather a category of interventions designed to address various injuries, degenerative conditions, and anatomical issues affecting the knee joint.

Understanding the Terminology: Why "Knee Surgery" Isn't One Thing

The human knee is a complex hinge joint, crucial for mobility and weight-bearing, composed of bones (femur, tibia, patella), cartilage, ligaments, tendons, and menisci. Given its intricate anatomy and high functional demands, it is susceptible to numerous injuries and degenerative conditions. Consequently, the term "knee surgery" acts as an umbrella, covering a diverse array of medical interventions, each with its own specific name and purpose. Understanding these distinct procedures is vital for anyone seeking to comprehend knee health and rehabilitation.

Common Categories of Knee Surgery

Knee surgeries can broadly be categorized by their invasiveness (e.g., arthroscopic vs. open) and the specific structures they aim to repair or replace.

• Arthroscopic Procedures: These are minimally invasive surgeries performed using an arthroscope – a small camera inserted through tiny incisions. This allows the surgeon to visualize the inside of the joint and perform repairs with specialized instruments.

  • Meniscus Repair/Meniscectomy: Addresses tears in the menisci, the C-shaped cartilage pads that cushion the knee. A repair attempts to stitch the torn meniscus back together, while a meniscectomy involves removing the damaged portion.
  • Ligament Reconstruction (e.g., ACL Reconstruction): Repairs or replaces torn ligaments such as the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL), Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL), Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL), or Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL). ACL reconstruction is one of the most common, often using a graft from another part of the patient's body (autograft) or a donor (allograft).
  • Cartilage Repair/Restoration: Procedures like microfracture, osteochondral autograft transplantation (OATS), or autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) aim to repair or regrow damaged articular cartilage, which covers the ends of the bones.
  • Synovectomy: Removal of inflamed synovial tissue, often performed for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.
  • Loose Body Removal: Extraction of bone or cartilage fragments that have broken off and are causing pain or mechanical locking within the joint.

• Open Procedures: These involve larger incisions to provide the surgeon with a direct view of the knee joint. They are typically reserved for more extensive damage or when arthroscopic techniques are insufficient.

  • Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) / Total Knee Replacement (TKR): This is a major surgery where the damaged bone and cartilage of the thigh bone (femur), shin bone (tibia), and kneecap (patella) are removed and replaced with artificial components made of metal and plastic. It is most commonly performed for severe osteoarthritis.
  • Partial Knee Arthroplasty (PKA) / Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty (UKA): A less extensive replacement where only one compartment of the knee (medial, lateral, or patellofemoral) is replaced with artificial components, typically when arthritis is confined to a single area.
  • Osteotomy (e.g., High Tibial Osteotomy - HTO): A procedure where a wedge of bone is either removed or added to the tibia or femur to realign the leg and shift weight away from the damaged part of the knee joint, often used for early-stage arthritis in younger, active individuals.
  • Patellar Realignment/Stabilization: Surgical procedures to correct issues with the kneecap (patella) tracking improperly or dislocating, which can involve soft tissue releases or bone realignments.
  • Fracture Repair: Surgical intervention to fix broken bones around the knee joint (e.g., tibial plateau fractures, patellar fractures, distal femur fractures) using plates, screws, or rods.

Key Factors Determining the Specific Surgery

The choice of knee surgery is highly individualized and depends on several critical factors:

• Nature of Injury or Condition: Is it a traumatic injury (e.g., sports injury, fall), a degenerative disease (e.g., osteoarthritis), or a chronic overuse syndrome?
• Affected Structure(s): Which specific parts of the knee are damaged – ligaments, menisci, cartilage, bone, or a combination?
• Severity of Damage: Is it a partial tear, a complete rupture, mild cartilage wear, or end-stage joint degeneration?
• Patient Factors: Age, activity level, overall health, co-morbidities, and patient expectations all play a significant role in determining the most appropriate surgical approach and expected outcomes.
• Surgical Approach: Whether the procedure can be performed minimally invasively (arthroscopic) or requires an open incision will also influence the specific name and recovery.

The Role of Rehabilitation Post-Surgery

Regardless of the specific name of the knee surgery, the surgical intervention is often just the first step in a comprehensive recovery process. Post-operative rehabilitation, guided by principles of exercise science and physical therapy, is crucial for restoring strength, mobility, balance, and function. Adherence to a structured rehabilitation program is paramount for achieving optimal long-term outcomes and safely returning to desired activities.

Consulting with a Specialist

If you are experiencing knee pain or have been diagnosed with a knee injury, it is essential to consult with an orthopedic surgeon or sports medicine specialist. They can accurately diagnose your condition, explain the specific terminology relevant to your case, and discuss the most appropriate treatment options, which may or may not include surgery.