Total Knee Replacement Surgery
Total Knee Replacement surgery is one of the most commonly done surgery that improves knee condition as well as life span due to improved movements, pain free life.
In knee replacement surgery, the damaged parts of your knee joint are replaced with artificial parts.
This artificial joint works like your natural knee and helps you move without pain.
Everything you wanted to know about TKR
These are the things every person should know about knee replacement surgeries.
After reading this, if you still have any further questions, feel free to ask your Doctor.
Knee Joint Structure
Your knee is an important joint in your body that helps you stand, walk, and move your legs. This joint is made up of three main bones:
Femoral Condyles (Lower part of the thigh bone): The rounded end of the thigh bone that meets the knee.
Tibial Plateau (Upper part of the lower leg bone): The flat top part of the lower leg bone that connects to the thigh bone.
Patella (Kneecap): The small bone at the front of your knee that helps your muscles.
At the ends of these bones, there's a smooth layer called Cartilage. This layer prevents the bones from rubbing against each other and makes movement easy. Strong bands called Ligaments hold the joint together and make it stable.
Problems the Knee Joint Faces
Over time or due to certain reasons, the knee joint can face several problems that cause pain and make it difficult to move. Some common problems include:
- Osteoarthritis: This is the most common joint disease where the cartilage slowly wears away.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: This is an autoimmune disease where the joints become swollen and damaged.
- Other Types of Arthritis: Such as Gout or arthritis caused by injuries.
- Knee Injuries: Damage to the ligaments or cartilage due to sports or falls.
- Bone Spurs: Extra growths of bone at the edges of the joints, which can cause pain.
Wear & Tear of the Knee Joint
Just like anything we use a lot, our knee joint can wear out over the years. This wear and tear can be increased by:
Age: As we get older, the cartilage naturally becomes thinner.
Excess Weight: Being overweight puts extra pressure on the knees, causing them to wear out faster.
Previous Knee Injuries: Old injuries can lead to wear and tear over time.
Repetitive Motion: Certain jobs or sports that put a lot of stress on the knees can increase wear and tear.
Genetics: Some people are more likely to have their joints wear out earlier due to their genes.
Knee Replacement Surgery
What Happens in Knee Replacement Surgery?
In knee replacement surgery, the damaged parts of your knee joint are replaced with artificial parts. This surgery usually involves the following steps:
Preparation: Before the surgery, the doctor will check your health and give you detailed information about the procedure.
Anesthesia: You will be given medication to make you fall asleep or numb your body so you don't feel any pain during the surgery.
Incision: The surgeon will make a cut (incision) on your knee.
Removing the Damaged Joint: The damaged cartilage and ends of the bones are carefully removed.
Inserting the Artificial Joint: The removed parts are replaced with an artificial joint (prosthesis) made of metal and plastic, fitted to the right size.
Closing the Incision: The cut on your knee is closed with stitches or staples.
This artificial joint works like your natural knee and helps you move without pain.
FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions about Knee Replacement Surgery
This surgery is done to reduce knee pain and make walking easier. It's considered when medications and other treatments don't provide enough relief.
- The surgery usually takes about 1 to 2 hours.
- Most patients need to stay in the hospital for 3 to 5 days.
- There will be some pain after the surgery for a few days, but you will be given medication to help manage it.
- With the help of physical therapy, you can usually start walking slowly from the second day after surgery.
- It can take a few weeks to a few months to fully recover and do your daily activities comfortably.
- It's important to follow the doctor's instructions, do regular physical therapy, and avoid putting too much stress on your knee.
- The cost of the surgery can vary depending on the hospital, the type of artificial joint used, and other facilities. You should discuss this with your doctor.
- The doctor will consider the condition of your knee and your overall health to determine if you are a suitable candidate for this surgery.