What is Total Knee Arthroplasty?
Total Knee Arthroplasty, commonly referred to as total knee replacement or TKA, is a surgical procedure used to resurface the cartilage surfaces of the knee joint with prosthetic components. The surgery is primarily performed to relieve pain and improve function in knees damaged by osteoarthritis.
Surgical Process
TKA involves removing the damaged surfaces of the knee joint and replacing them with prosthetic components made of metal and plastic. The surgeon first makes bone cuts to reshape the end of the femur and top of the tibia. Next, the undersurface of the patella is usually resurfaced or reshaped as well. Metal components are then attached to the end of the femur and top of the tibia using cement or special coating on the prosthesis. A plastic spacer is inserted between the metal components to form a smooth gliding surface and recreate the knee joint. The overall goal is to redistribute weight forces evenly across the knee to reduce pain and facilitate improved movement.
Preparing for Surgery
Prior to scheduling TKA, options for nonsurgical treatment should be exhausted. Once surgery is decided upon, pre-op testing and clearance from the primary care physician is required. Arrangements are made for post-op care and transportation home. Lifestyle modifications like diet, exercise, tobacco cessation and weight loss help optimize surgical outcomes. Medications may be adjusted and patients are educated on what to expect during recovery.
Anesthesia and Incisions
Total Knee Arthroplasty is performed under general or spinal anesthesia depending on patient preference. Standard incisions are 8-12 inches long and made on the front or sides of the knee. Minimally invasive techniques are also options that utilize smaller incisions. Tourniquets are commonly used to minimize blood loss during bone cutting and component insertion. Surgery typically takes 1-2 hours depending on complexity.
Post-Surgery Recovery Process
After TKA, patients spend 1-3 days in the hospital prior to discharge home or to a rehabilitation center. Physical therapy begins right away to regain knee mobility and strength lost due to arthritis. Crutches or a walker are used to avoid putting weight directly on the new joint. Wound care, pain management, leg elevation and range of motion exercises are crucial early recovery tasks. Over several weeks, limitations on activity, bracing and weight bearing are gradually progressed as comfort allows. Full recovery takes several months and some permanent lifestyle changes are adopted.
Potential Complications
While considered a very successful procedure, complications can arise with any surgery and include:
-Infection - Prevented using sterile technique and antibiotics as needed postop
-Blood clots - Risk minimized using compression stockings and anticoagulant medications
-Stiffness - Addressed through aggressive physical therapy and range of motion exercises
-Limited pain relief - Alternative procedures or revision surgery may be options
-Component loosening or wear over decades - Revision surgery may be required down the line
Return to Daily Functioning
By 3-6 months after TKA, patients are encouraged to resume low impact activities as tolerated like walking, yoga and bicycling. High impact activities and sports requiring pivoting or twisting should generally be avoided long term to protect the prosthesis. Many notice significant improvements in functioning like walking longer distances, climbing stairs without pain and performing activities of daily living with greater ease and independence. Overall quality of life enhances greatly for most who undergo successful total knee replacement surgery.
While Total Knee Arthroplasty has risks, replacing severely arthritic and painful knees provides relief, restored mobility and improved participation in daily activities that enhances quality of life for millions each year. Dedication to postoperative rehabilitation yields optimal outcomes for those experiencing knee joint degeneration. Continued advancement of prosthetic designs and surgical techniques also improve implant longevity and function.
Get More Insights On Total Knee Arthroplasty
About Author
Vaagisha brings over three years of expertise as a content editor in the market research domain. Originally a creative writer, she discovered her passion for editing, combining her flair for writing with a meticulous eye for detail. Her ability to craft and refine compelling content makes her an invaluable asset in delivering polished and engaging write-ups.
(LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vaagisha-singh-8080b91)
