Total Knee Replacement is a surgical procedure used to treat patients with osteoarthritis by replacing the damaged or deteriorated surface of the knee joint with artificial knee joint. This procedure is beneficial for patients with the following indications:
The common symptoms of knee osteoarthritis are pain, freezing or stiffness in the knee joint. The warning signs are pain on the inside and rear of the knee.
In knee osteoarthritis, pain occurs when the knee joint is used such as when while walking or exercising. Patients suffering from knee osteoarthritis report stiffness or limited range of motion. Furthermore, they frequently have a slanted knee angle, or patellar malalignment, which causes the knee to flex inward and outward. However, there are some patients with normal knee angles. Furthermore, patients find it more difficult to perform everyday activities like getting up from a seat or walking up and down stairs. Patients with inflammation of the knee joint may experience swelling and heat in the affected area. If the inflammation or symptoms are severe, swollen knee joints and knee effusion are also observed, which can be shown on an x-ray as evidence of severe knee osteoarthritis.
Treatments for Knee Osteoarthritis
The degree of the knee joint’s deterioration determines the suitable treatment method for patient with osteoarthritis. Supportive treatments, such as medications, physical therapy, or intra-articular platelet-rich plasma injections, are typically successful in patients with mild osteoarthritis or in the early stages of the condition. The majority of patients with severe osteoarthritis typically need surgery. Patients with bow leg may need an osteotomy, a partial knee replacement, or a whole knee replacement if existing therapies are no longer viable due to significant knee joint degeneration.
Preparation for Surgery
- Medical history taking, physical examination, and blood tests
- Please inform your doctor of your underlying medical conditions, if any
- Refrain from smoking and drinking alcohol
- Stop taking certain modifications as advised by your doctor
- Strictly follow your doctor’s instructions
Surgical Procedure
- The surgery is performed under general anesthesia.
- The surgeon makes an incision in the knee joint and remove the damaged knee joint.
- An artificial knee joint is then inserted in its place.
- This surgery procedure takes approximately 1-2 hours.
Postoperative Recovery
- After surgery, the patient needs to stay in the hospital for approximately 3-4 days.
- A rehabilitation program is required to improve patient’s knee range of motion.
- Patients can generally resume their work or other normal daily activities within 2-3 months.
Potential Postoperative Complications
- Infection
- Coagulation
- Loosening of the artificial knee joint
- Nerve or blood vessel injury
Postoperative Self-Care
- Start rehabilitation program as recommended by your doctor.
- Refrain from engaging in vigorous physical activities.
- Take proper care of your surgical wound and consult your doctor for further advice.
If you have severe and chronic knee pain, you should consult your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
