Knee surgery is today one of the most advanced fields of modern orthopedics. Thanks to the evolution of surgical techniques, the introduction of minimally invasive surgery, latest-generation arthroscopy and modern joint prostheses, many conditions that compromise movement and quality of life can be treated successfully.
The knee is one of the most complex joints in the human body. It is essential for walking, running, climbing stairs, playing sports and carrying out normal daily activities. When it is affected by osteoarthritis, trauma, ligament injuries, cartilage damage or malformations, it can become a source of persistent pain and functional limitation.
Knee surgery steps in precisely in these cases, with the aim of eliminating pain, restoring joint stability and allowing the patient to return to an active life.
Not all knee problems require surgery. Many conditions can initially be treated with physical therapy, anti-inflammatory drugs, joint injections or personalized rehabilitation programs.
Surgery is generally considered when:
the pain is persistent
joint function is compromised
the knee is unstable
conservative treatments produce no results
the joint lesions are advanced
the patient can no longer carry out normal daily activities
The goal of surgery is not only to treat the condition, but to give the patient back independence, mobility and quality of life.
02 — SIGNS
Symptoms that may indicate a knee problem
The most common symptoms include:
pain when walking
joint swelling
morning stiffness
difficulty bending or straightening the knee
a feeling of giving way
joint locking
joint noises during movement
limited physical activity
When these symptoms persist over time, a specialist assessment is advisable.
03 — SERVICES
The conditions that may require knee surgery
Knee osteoarthritis
Knee osteoarthritis (gonarthrosis) is one of the main causes of orthopedic surgery.
Over the years the joint cartilage tends to wear away progressively, causing pain, stiffness and limited movement.
In the most advanced forms the pain can also occur during rest or at night.
Anterior cruciate ligament injury
Rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament is particularly frequent in athletes.
This injury causes joint instability, difficulty in changing direction and a risk of secondary damage to the menisci and cartilage.
Meniscal injuries
The menisci perform an essential function of shock absorption and load distribution.
Injuries can be traumatic or degenerative and cause pain, swelling and joint locking.
Cartilage lesions
Joint cartilage can be damaged by trauma, overload or degenerative processes.
The most significant lesions may require specific reconstructive surgical procedures.
Patellar instability
The kneecap can suffer recurrent dislocations or subluxations that cause pain and instability.
In the most complex cases corrective surgery may be necessary.
Joint fractures
Major trauma can cause fractures of the distal femur, the proximal tibia or the kneecap, requiring fixation or joint reconstruction surgery.
04 — KNEE SURGERY
Guides
Complex Orthopedic Surgery
The Complex Orthopedic Surgery area deals with highly complex reconstructions and revisions, including after failures elsewhere.
If knee pain limits daily activities, if the joint is unstable or if conservative treatments have not produced satisfactory results, it is important to consult a specialist.
An early diagnosis makes it possible to identify the most appropriate treatment and, in many cases, to act before the joint damage becomes irreversible.
Modern knee surgery today offers increasingly effective, personalized and minimally invasive solutions, allowing thousands of people to walk, play sports and live without pain again.
06 — THE VISIT
Diagnosis of knee conditions
An accurate diagnosis is the first step toward the most appropriate treatment. The orthopedic specialist can rely on several diagnostic tools.
X-ray. It makes it possible to assess the condition of the bone structures and the possible presence of osteoarthritis.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging. It is the reference examination for studying menisci, ligaments, cartilage and soft tissues.
CT scan. It is particularly useful in joint fractures and in surgical planning.
Musculoskeletal ultrasound. It makes it possible to assess tendons, ligaments and superficial structures in real time.
Biomechanical analysis. It makes it possible to study the patient’s movement and the distribution of loads while walking.
07 — THE GROUP
Knee surgery in the facilities of the NefroCenter Group
Thanks to the work of highly specialized multidisciplinary teams, latest-generation diagnostic technologies, advanced arthroscopic surgery, complex joint replacement and integrated rehabilitation pathways, every patient is followed at every stage of the care pathway.
The goal is to offer complete care, from diagnosis to surgical treatment through to functional recovery, guaranteeing high standards of quality and safety.
08 — IN DEPTH
Surgical techniques for the knee
Joint-preserving knee surgery
When possible, the aim is to preserve the natural joint.
Joint-preserving surgery is used above all in young patients and athletes and may include:
meniscal repair
ligament reconstruction
treatment of cartilage lesions
correction of axial deformities
corrective osteotomies
The goal is to slow the progression of the disease and delay the possible need for a prosthesis.
Knee arthroscopy
Arthroscopy is one of the most widely used surgical techniques.
Through small incisions a camera and miniaturized instruments are introduced, making it possible to treat many joint conditions.
Arthroscopy can be used for:
meniscal injuries
ligament reconstructions
treatment of cartilage lesions
removal of loose bodies
treatment of synovitis
stabilization of the kneecap
The advantages include less invasiveness, reduced post-operative pain and faster recovery.
Minimally invasive knee surgery
Modern minimally invasive techniques make it possible to reduce surgical trauma.
The main advantages include:
less bleeding
reduced post-operative pain
faster recovery
shorter hospital stays
Robotic surgery and 3D planning
Technological evolution has brought ever more sophisticated tools into knee surgery.
Three-dimensional planning and assisted surgery make it possible to:
study the patient’s anatomy precisely
simulate the operation
improve prosthetic alignment
personalize the treatment
In some cases robotic systems and software based on artificial intelligence are used to further increase surgical precision.
09 — IN DEPTH
Knee replacement
When the joint damage is advanced and conservative treatments are no longer effective, prosthetic replacement can be used.
A knee prosthesis makes it possible to eliminate pain and recover good joint function.
Total knee replacement
The total prosthesis completely replaces the damaged joint surfaces.
It is indicated in cases of:
advanced osteoarthritis
rheumatoid arthritis
major deformities
complex outcomes of trauma
Unicompartmental knee replacement
When the damage affects only one part of the knee, it may be possible to implant a partial prosthesis.
This solution makes it possible to preserve most of the natural joint.
Revision of knee prostheses
Prostheses may require revision surgery in the presence of:
loosening of the implant
infection
wear of the components
instability
periprosthetic fractures
These are particularly complex procedures that require extensive surgical experience.
Recovery after surgery
Rehabilitation is a fundamental phase of the treatment pathway.
Thanks to modern Fast Track protocols, many patients start walking within the first hours after the operation.
