What is Total Knee Replacement Surgery (TKR)?
Total Knee Replacement Surgery, also known as Knee Arthroplasty or Knee Replacement, is a surgery to resurface a knee joint damaged by arthritis. Plastic and metal parts (Implants) are used to cap the ends of the bones that form the knee joint, along with the kneecap (Patella). This type of surgery may be considered for a person who has severely damaged Knee Joint because of arthritis or any other cause like old injury.
The knee joint can be affected by various types of arthritis or trauma. These are :
(i).Osteoarthritis -
It is a degenerative joint disease that affects mostly middle-aged and older adults. It may cause the breakdown of joint cartilage and adjacent bone in the knees.
(ii).Rheumatoid arthritis
It is an inflammation of the synovial membrane and results in excessive synovial fluid and secretion of various joint damaging enzymes, leading to cartilage damage. It can lead to pain and stiffness.
(iii).Traumatic arthritis
It is an arthritis due to injury, may cause damage to the cartilage of the knee.The goal of knee replacement surgery is to resurface the parts of the knee joint that have been damaged and to relieve knee pain that cannot be controlled by other treatments. The procedure involves cutting away damaged bone and cartilage from your thighbone, shinbone and kneecap and replacing it with an artificial joint (prosthesis) made of metal alloys, high-grade plastics and polymers.
In determining whether a knee replacement is right for you, an joint Replacement Surgeon listens to your history, assesses your knee's tenderness, deformity, range of motion, stability and strength. X-rays help determine the extent of damage.
Why shall you consider a Knee Replacement Surgery
(i).1. Pain affecting your quality of life -
– Knee replacement is considered after you have exhausted all the options of conservative treatment & your knee is fully degenerated. If the pain you are experiencing is still affecting your day-to-day work, then it might be time to consider the replacement surgery. The following questions might help in deciding that: s.- a. Is my pain impacting my sleep?
- b. Has it impacted the way I walk?
- c. Do I experience pain every time I stand up?
- d. Can I walk up the stairs easily?
- e. The pain medications I am taking are they sufficient to reduce the pain?
- f. How long I have been taking pain killers to continue my activities of daily life?
If you answered yes to some or most of these, you might be a candidate for knee replacement.
2. It’s common & safe
Knee replacement is the most common joint replacement surgery and is considered a safe surgery. Every year approximately 1,20,000 knee replacements are done in India. Majority are highly satisfied with the results & go back to normal activities.
3. Recovery Time
Recovery time varies from person to person and is relatively short if you stay on track. The key to getting back on the feet is closely following your doctor’s instructions and committing to a rehabilitation plan with a physiotherapist. Though almost all start walking within 48 hours after surgery, Majority are able to walk without support at six weeks.
4. Other Health Benefits of knee replacement
Keeping an active lifestyle is important for your general health and well-being. Staying active lowers your risk of obesity, osteoporosis, diabetes & more. If your knee pain is preventing you from moving, surgery may increase your chances of living a longer & healthier life. A new knee can offer better support & more stability on your feet and that can mean fewer unexpected & dangerous falls and injuries.Key factors to consider before deciding where to go for a knee replacement surgery:
i. Expert Surgeon
The surgeon must be qualified and experienced enough in joint replacement to ensure the best possible treatment. Choose a surgeon with high volume.
ii. Advanced Technology
Technology brings in precision and reduces the chances of human error. Computer Navigation is one of the advanced technology known to give better results with precision.
iii. State of the art Infrastructure for the surgery & infection control practices
- Knee replacement is a surgery in which any kind of infection can play havoc. State of the art infrastructure can minimise the chances of infection.
iV. Any set up or surgeon that provides a holistic approach to knee replacement
-It must include the protocol for post op rehabilitation & physiotherapy.