What is Knee Replacement Surgery?
Knee replacement, or knee arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure for resurfacing a knee damaged by arthritis. It involves using metal and plastic components to cap the ends of the femur, tibia, and kneecap bones. Arthritis leads to joint degeneration, inflammation, and pain, with osteoarthritis affecting middle-aged adults and causing cartilage breakdown, while rheumatoid and traumatic arthritis result in joint damage. Arthritis knee replacement surgery aims to repair damaged knee joint parts and alleviate pain that cannot be managed by other treatments.
Who needs Total Knee Replacement (TKR)?
A surgeon usually recommends total (TKR surgery) or partial knee replacements, with total knee replacements replacing all three areas of the knee joint, while partial knee replacements only replace damaged areas, often in younger adults who have experienced injury or trauma. Indications for total knee replacement include joint pain, stiffness, limited mobility, and swelling, often due to arthritis. Total knee replacements can either be performed as an open, minimally invasive surgery or as robotic knee replacement surgery.
| Procedure Name | Total Knee Replacement (TKR) |
|---|---|
| Type of Surgery | Open, minimally invasive, or robotic |
| Type of Anesthesia | General or spinal anesthesia |
| Procedure Duration | 1-3 hours |
| Recovery Duration | Few months to 1 year |
Total Knee Replacement (TKR): Pre-Op & Post-Op Care
Preparation for Total Knee Replacement
The surgeon will assess a physical exam, blood tests, and imaging tests like knee X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans to prepare for surgery. The doctor will provide instructions regarding diet and protocol, explain the procedure, and may request additional preparation based on the medical condition if needed.
During the procedure
Anesthesia is administered during knee replacement surgery, and the procedure involves removing damaged cartilage and bone, inserting a prosthetic knee joint, a plastic spacer to recreate the cartilage cushion, and reshaping the kneecap to fit the new joint.
After Knee Replacement
The surgery team monitors the patient’s recovery, vital signs, and pain level. Some patients who undergo minimally invasive procedures go home the same day, while others may need hospital care for a few days.
Knee Replacement Recovery
Knee replacement surgery typically takes a year to fully recover, but most activities can be resumed six weeks post-surgery. However, recovery time depends on factors like activity level, age, and other health conditions.
Post-procedure care
Follow the surgeon’s recovery plan post-surgery: ice the knee daily for 20 minutes, elevate it frequently, and adhere to incision care. Engage in home exercises to prevent stiffness and strengthen muscles, working with a physical therapist for several months for safe movement. Consider using prescription pain medication in combination with icing for pain relief.
Benefits of Total Knee Replacement (TKR) at Yashoda Hospitals
- Safe, Effective Procedure For Mobility Regain.
- Relieves Long-Term Pain.
- Reduces Pain, Increases Mobility.
- Improves Quality Of Life.
- Minimal Hospitalisations
- Greater Flexibility
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