What is Total knee replacement (TKR)
It is a surgery where the diseased worn out cartilage of the knee is removed and replaced with metal implants called prosthesis.
The implants are fixed to the underline bone with bone cement.
In addition, appropriate bone cuts are made so that the knee becomes straight again.
Who needs TKR?
A person may consider total knee replacement surgery if
- You are suffering extremely from arthritis in the knee or it has severely damaged the mating surface of the joint.
- Pain and stiffness in the knee is giving you trouble while walking, getting in or out or doing routine activities.
- Your knee swelling and dislocation which doesn’t turn normal after exercises.
What are the benefits of Total Knee Replacement?
- Permanent pain relief :– It provides permanent pain relief as the worn out cartilage is replaced with metal, friction between the bones of faces is prevented and hence the pain is relieved.
- Knee becomes straight again :- TKR not just helps in relieving pain but also in fixing the knee. It makes the knee straight again.
- Improved range of motion of joint :- Damage to knee leads to immobility or reduces mobility. Exercises might be helpful but in the long term it requires a permanent solution. Total knee replacement replaces your damaged part and helps in providing better mobility. It improves the range of motion of the joint.
- Feel of a natural knee :- Due to significant advances in material design and surgical techniques, the latest implants closely mimic the feel of a naturally while walking.
- Affordable treatment :- What can be better than this surgery when it is affordable too? Recent government regulations of implant pricing have significantly reduced the cost of total knee replacement, making the surgery affordable to many patients. Economically weak person may get special discount.
- Age is not a barrier :- A special reason why TKR is a better process is it has no age barrier. In fact this surgery is recommended after 55-60 years only. The surgeon will decide if you are fit to undergo surgery after looking at your blood test, ECG and urine test.
What are the risk associated with TKR?
With so many advantages of knee replacement, there are a few risks associated with it too. Risk factors are always present in any surgery but only less than 2% of people face severe complications after knee replacement.
- Blood clots
- Infections
- A small injury around knee
- Injury to nerves or blood vessels
- Continued pain
Should I delay my surgery for as long as possible?
Delaying surgery despite having a significant pain leads to poor quality of life and unnecessary suffering for the patient. In addition, waiting for long time may lead to additional deformities and may require surgery later with special implants.