Total Knee Replacement Surgery: Indications, Procedure & Advantages

Total knee replacement or TKR is also called total knee arthroplasty (TKA). In knee replacement surgery, diseased parts of the knee joint are removed and replaced with metal or plastic parts.

For the management of osteoarthritis and other conditions causing knee pain, usual treatment recommendations include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, physiotherapy, exercises, and dietary restrictions. When these therapeutic options do not relieve knee pain, then total knee replacement or partial knee replacement is indicated by an orthopedic surgeon based on the patient’s condition and associated comorbidities.

Knee replacements are the most frequently performed surgeries worldwide due to rising cases of osteoarthritis, a joint condition that severely restricts normal routine activities and hampers the quality of life. Patients prefer knee replacement surgery due to the high success rate with the advent of technology and medicine.

Indications of Knee Replacement

 

The indications of knee replacement are:

• Osteoarthritis

• Severe joint pain

• Knee deformity

• Joint diseases

Planning of Knee Replacement

The steps involved in planning knee replacement are:

• Evaluation by the orthopedic surgeon: Your orthopedic surgeon will record your medical history like the duration of arthritis and joint pain, any underlying medical condition, past and present treatment history, etc. During this procedure, knee movements are also examined.

• Evaluation of knee X-rays.

• Diagnostic tests like blood tests, and electrocardiograms.

• Knee arthroplasty procedure: Following general anesthesia, an orthopedic surgeon makes an incision in the knee area to remove the damaged portion of the knee. The knee implant is then placed and positioned. A polyethylene piece is inserted to make the surface smooth and glide between the implant’s metal parts. This is followed by incision closure.

• In the postoperative phase, the orthopedic surgeon regularly monitors pain and vital signs.

• Medications are prescribed to relieve pain and prevent clot formation and infection.

• Physical therapy and exercises are recommended because these are vital to ensure the success of knee replacement.

Advantages of Knee Replacement

 

The advantages of knee replacement are:

• Relieve arthritic pain.

• Improve mobility

• Improved quality of life

• Fewer restrictions

Disadvantages of Knee Replacement

Knee arthroplasty, total knee replacement are partial knee replacement are safe surgical procedures. To reduce infection, pain, and clot formation, medicines are prescribed. Regular follow-ups are important to monitor the success of the knee transplant.

What is the difference between partial knee replacement and total knee replacement?

There are three knee compartments, namely, inside or medial, outside or lateral, and the area under the kneecap. In total knee replacement, all three sections are targeted in knee operation while in partial knee replacement, it is also called unicompartmental replacement because a single compartment or section is targeted. Young adults benefit from partial knee replacement.

Resuming life back to normal

It is important to follow specific instructions given. Following 3 to 6 weeks post-surgery, one can resume daily activities. Following knee arthroplasty, activities begin with slow walking. The intensity of exercises then gradually increases.

Life of a knee implant: An important aspect

 

With the advancement in technology and the availability of new medicines, the success rates of knee transplant surgery has risen dramatically in the past years.

After surgery, knee implants may last more than 15 years. You can consult more about this with your orthopedic surgeon.

Conclusion:

Consult our expert orthopedic surgeons to plan knee replacement surgery abroad at affordable treatment packages. Our simplified medical tourism services have made advanced treatment not only affordable but also more simpler and successful.

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