Total Knee Replacement Surgery

What is a total knee replacement surgery?

 

A total knee replacement (total knee arthroplasty) is a surgical procedure used to replace the painful and worn-out surfaces of the knee joint with an artificial prosthesis. Total knee replacement is a surgical procedure to relieve pain, improve function and help you return to everyday activities.

 

Who needs total knee replacement?

 

The most common reason for total knee replacement surgery is osteoarthritis. Other health conditions that cause knee damage include: rheumatoid arthritis and posttraumatic arthritis.

Total knee replacement surgery is commonly performed by orthopedic surgeons to relieve moderate to severe pain and disability when conservative treatments have not worked.

 

Total Knee Replacement Surgery - Step-by-Step

Your recovery will begin as soon as you wake up from surgery. Your surgeon will do necessary checkup and suggest physical therapist will instruct you on specific exercises to strengthen your leg and restore knee movement. Knee immobilizers are used to stabilize the knee. You will be able to walk with crutches or a walker.

 

Physical therapists use immobilizers to aid in the healing process, as well as CPM machines that move your joints through their normal range of motion while you are resting.

 

Your physical therapist will also provide you with a home exercise program to strengthen your thigh and calf muscles.

 

What are the risks and complication?

 

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With any major surgery, risks and complications may be present. Possible injuries that may occur from total knee replacement surgery include:

  • Stiffness
  • Infection
  • Blood clots
  • Nerve and blood vessel damage
  • Ligament injuries
  • Patella dislocations
  • Loosening of the implant

 

Following an operation, your surgeon will provide instructions for your recovery. He or she will explain what signs and symptoms to watch for, and when you should contact the surgeon's office.