Knee replacement is commonly pursued in an attempt to resolve pain or improve function in the knee joint, but one overlooked aspect of the replacement procedure is how it can improve lower body alignment and stress distribution. Many older adults may find that their knees are starting to point inwards towards one another (knock knees) or bow outward away from one another (bowed knees). This abnormal knee position can lead to increased stress on the knees and other areas above and below the joint, potentially causing issues for your ankles, feet or hips.
Because of this, many people ask if knee replacement could address their knee alignment issue. In today’s blog, we explore whether or not knee replacement can fix knock knees or bowed knees.
Knee Replacement For Alignment Issues
Before we answer the question at the heart of this blog, let’s take a closer look at why knock knees or bowed knees can develop in the first place. In most instances, knock knees or bowed knees develop as a result of arthritic degeneration in the knee joint. As healthy structures in the knee joint break down, the bones above and below the knee can shift, either as an attempt to take stress off the knee joint or because the knee itself has lost some of its natural stability. Left unaddressed, knee degeneration can continue, leading the knee misalignment to worsen, potentially leading to greater discomfort and other issues in nearby structures.
Knee misalignment problems can also be caused by other underlying issues. An acute injury that doesn’t fully heal, structural muscle weakness or a genetic predisposition can lead to the development of knock knees or bowed knees. For these patients, it’s more likely that a conservative treatment plan will be recommended. Strength training exercises, weight management and physical therapy can improve knee function and strengthen the structures that support the joint, gradually correcting your knee alignment issue. Knee replacement could also help fix the alignment problem, but oftentimes these causes can be addressed with less invasive treatments.
For patients with moderate to severe arthritis that are not responding well to physical therapy and other conservative efforts, knee replacement surgery may help to correct their alignment problem. However, the focus of the procedure will be on replacing the joint in order to restore function and remove the arthritic joint. An alignment correction is more of an additional benefit than the main purpose of the procedure. The underlying cause of the alignment problem is severe arthritis, so replacing the degenerative joint will help to restore a natural alignment to the bones above and below the knee.
Of course, you’ll still need to put in work during your physical therapy sessions in order to restore this healthy alignment. There’s a good chance that supportive soft tissues above and below the knee are weak as a result of prolonged misalignment or trauma from the surgical operation. Restoring this strength will be key for improving long-term knee positioning, so really commit to your recovery plan. Even though you may notice improved knee positioning shortly after your procedure, maintaining this alignment will only happen if you strengthen your lower body during the months that follow your procedure.
Dr. Herman Botero – Knee Surgeon
So while knee alignment concerns can be addressed with a knee replacement procedure, it is usually only pursued if degenerative arthritis is causing pain and other functional issues in the knee. If this sounds like what you’re dealing with, learn more about your options by consulting with a joint specialist. For more information, reach out to Dr. Botero’s office today at (865) 558-4444.
