Total Knee Replacement (TKR): the full guide.

If your knee is badly affected by arthritis or injury, it can be difficult for you to do simple things like walking or climbing stairs. You might even feel pain when you are sitting or lying down. 

If you've tried non-surgical treatments like medication and using walking supports and they haven't helped, you might want to think about having a total knee replacement. Joint replacement surgery is a safe and effective way to relieve pain, correct leg deformities, and help you get back to your normal routine.

The first total knee replacement surgery was performed in 1968 (OrthoInfo). The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) reports that knee replacement surgery is one of the most successful procedures in all of medicine. In fact, approximately 790,000 total knee replacements are performed annually in the United States.

If you're just starting to look into treatment options or you've already decided to go ahead with a total knee replacement, this comprehensive guide will help you get a better understanding of this valuable procedure.

Anatomy of the Knee 

The knee is the largest joint in the body, and it's important to have healthy knees to be able to do most everyday activities. The main components of the knee are:

• The lower end of the thighbone (femur)
• The upper end of the shinbone (tibia)
• The kneecap (patella)

The ends of these three bones have a protective layer of articular cartilage, which allows them to move easily within the joint without causing friction.

The menisci are situated between the femur and tibia. These C-shaped wedges act as shock absorbers, cushioning the joint.

The femur and tibia are held together by large ligaments, which provide stability. The long thigh muscles give the knee a lot of strength. 

The rest of the knee is covered by a thin lining called the synovial membrane. This membrane releases a fluid that acts as a lubricant for the cartilage, reducing friction to almost nothing in a healthy knee.

In normal situations, all of these components work together seamlessly. But when you get sick or hurt, this balance can be disrupted, which can cause pain, muscle weakness, and reduced function.

Knee Pain & Disability

We all know that arthritis can be a real pain! It's the most common cause of chronic knee pain and disability. There are many types of arthritis, but most knee pain is caused by just three types: osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and posttraumatic arthritis.

• Osteoarthritis. This is what we call "wear-and-tear" arthritis. It's something that happens as we get older. It typically affects people over 50 years of age, but it can also occur in younger individuals.

• Rheumatoid arthritis. This is a condition where the synovial membrane (a type of membrane that surrounds joints and helps keep them lubricated) becomes inflamed and thickened. Unfortunately, this chronic inflammation can damage the cartilage, which eventually leads to cartilage loss. This can cause a lot of discomfort and stiffness.

• Posttraumatic arthritis. This can happen after a bad knee injury. Sometimes, broken bones around the knee or torn knee ligaments can damage the cartilage inside the knee over time. This can make it hurt to use your knee and make it harder to do everyday things.

Total Knee Replacement Procedure 

It might be more accurate to refer to a total knee replacement (also called total knee arthroplasty) as a knee "resurfacing" procedure, as only the surfaces of the bones are replaced (the American Academy for Orthopaedic Surgeons). 

A knee replacement procedure typically involves four basic steps:

• Preparing the bone. The surgeon makes an incision at the end of the femur and tibia to remove damaged cartilage surfaces and a small amount of underlying bone.
• Positioning the metal implants. The surgeon replaces the removed cartilage and bone with metal components that recreate the surface of the joint, restoring the joint to its original functionality! These metal parts can be cemented or "press-fit" into the bone, whichever is best for the procedure! 
• Resurfacing the patella. The surgeon cuts the undersurface of the patella (kneecap) and resurfaces it with a plastic button. Some surgeons do not resurface the patella, depending upon the case.
• Inserting a spacer. The surgeon inserts a medical-grade plastic spacer between the metal parts to make a smooth gliding surface.

When should surgery be recommended?

There are a few reasons why your orthopedic surgeon might suggest a total knee replacement. You will get the most out of a total knee replacement surgery if:

• You're dealing with severe knee pain or stiffness that's limiting your everyday activities, including walking, climbing stairs, and getting in and out of chairs. It might be tough to walk more than a few blocks without feeling some pain, and you might need to use a cane or walker.
• Suffer from moderate or severe knee pain while resting, either day or night.
• You're dealing with chronic knee inflammation and swelling that doesn't seem to get better with rest or medication.
• Your knee appears to be deformed – bowing in or out of the knee.
• Other treatments like anti-inflammatory medications, cortisone injections, lubricating injections, physical therapy, or other surgeries are not helping a lot. 

Who is a Good Candidate for Knee Replacement?

There aren't any hard and fast rules when it comes to age or weight for total knee replacement surgery. The decision to have surgery is based on how much pain and disability you are experiencing, not on your age. Most patients who get a total knee replacement are between 50 and 80, but orthopaedic surgeons look at each patient individually.

Knee replacements have been done on people of all ages, from young teenagers with juvenile arthritis to older ones with degenerative arthritis.

What kind of Evaluation is Needed before knee Replacement?

Your evaluation with an orthopedic surgeon usually includes a few key components:

• Medical history. Your orthopedic surgeon will ask you about your overall health and your knee pain and how it affects your ability to function.
• Physical examination. This will look at how well your knee moves, how stable it is, how strong it is, and how your leg is aligned overall.
• X-rays. These images help figure out how bad the damage is and what kind of deformity you have in your knee.
• Other tests. Sometimes, you might need to do a blood test or have an MRI scan to get a better idea of what's going on with your knee bone and soft tissues.

Are there any Complications after Knee Replacement?

The complication rate following total knee replacement is lower than you might think. Fewer than 2% of patients experience serious complications like a knee joint infection.

It is even less common to experience significant medical issues such as a heart attack or stroke. There's a greater chance of complications with chronic illnesses. It's not common, but when these complications arise, they can prolong or limit full recovery.

Here are some of the main complications that may arise after surgery:

• Infection
• Blood clots
• Implant problems
• Continued pain

Turkey Luxury Clinics is your ideal destination!

For most people, knee replacement is a total game-changer! It provides much-needed pain relief, improved mobility, and a better quality of life. And the best part? Most knee replacements can be expected to last at least 15 to 20 years!

Contact Turkey Luxury Clinics today to speak with our experienced orthopaedic team. They will be happy to provide you with a consultation on your case and recommend the optimal solution.