TOTAL KNEE REPLACEMENT

drkmh TOTAL KNEE REPLACEMENT

 

WHAT IS TOTAL KNEE REPLACEMENT?

 

TOTAL KNEE REPLACEMENT OR TOTAL KNEE ARTHROPLASTY is a surgical technique that helps to treat arthritis of knee joint. During the procedure, the arthritic bone is removed by bone cuts and replaced with high grade metal and high-grade plastic inserts.

 

WHO NEEDS TOTAL KNEE ARTHROPLASTY?

 

Patient with severe arthritis of the knee joint, severe pain, and difficulty to walk or do their day-to-day activities.

  • Osteoarthritis (most common)
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Osteonecrosis
  • Injury or fracture of the knee joint
  • Bone tumour in the knee join

CAN WE AVOID SURGERY?

Before you consider surgery, your doctor will usually encourage you to try various non-surgical treatments. These may include:

 

  • Physical therapy
  • Weight loss (if appropriate)
  • Anti-inflammatory medication
  • Steroid injections
  • Hyaluronic (gel) injections
  • RF ablation of genicular nerve to reduce pain.

Some cases, these solutions may help manage knee problems. However, if the symptoms become worse and affect your day-to-day activity surgery may be the best option.

 

CAN I DELAY THE SURGERY?

If a total knee replacement (TKR) is necessary, delaying or declining surgery for a long period of time could result in the need for a more complex operation and a less favourable outcome.

WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF TOTAL KNEE REPLACEMENTS?

 

Surgically it is of two types.

  • Cruciate retained
  • Posterior stabilised

If depending on approaches

  • Traditional knee replacement
  • Computer assisted knee replacement (navigation)
  • Robotic knee replacement
  • Minimally invasive knee replacement

HOW MUCH PAIN WILL I HAVE AFTER SURGERY?

There will be some pain after your operation, but your surgery team will do everything possible to keep it manageable and minimal.

 

You may receive an epidural infusion to your operation and your surgeon may also use a long-acting local anaesthetic cocktail during the procedure to help with pain relief after the procedure.

 

Your doctor will prescribe medication to help you manage the pain.

 

After you recover from surgery, your knee should be significantly less painful than it was before.

 

Following your doctor’s instructions after surgery is the best way to manage pain and with physical therapy to achieve the best result.

 

WHAT ARE THE RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH A TOTAL KNEE REPLACEMENT?

 

There are risks associated with any type of surgery, though they are rare. Every surgery has the following risks:

  • Excessive bleeding
  • Infection
  • Allergic reaction to anaesthesia or other medications administered during surgery

WHAT IS RECOVERY LIKE AFTER A TOTAL KNEE REPLACEMENT?

The procedure takes less than an hour depending on the specific procedure. Patient will be made to walk the next day with Walker support, ice pack, leg elevation dressing change, walking aids.

 

Your doctor will give you an exercise regimen to follow at home to help your knee recover or will recommend a physical therapist to see until you are able to use your knee normally. The exercises are necessary to help restore your full range of motion and to strengthen your muscles. With the proper care, your outlook after having this procedure is excellent.

 

Reviewed By:

DR.DEEPAK KUMAR K.S

CHIEF CONSULTANT – ORTHOPEDIC SURGEON

MBBS, DIPLOMATE IN ORTHOPEDICS, MS (ORTHOPEDICS), Mch (ORTHO)