What is a total knee replacement?
Do you have knee pain that just won't go away, even after years of medication, physical therapy and conservative treatments? If so, your doctor or specialist might recommend a total knee replacement. But what exactly is this procedure, and how can it help?
A total knee replacement is a surgical procedure that replaces damaged parts of your knee joint with artificial parts. The goal of the surgery is to reduce pain and help you move more easily.
A total knee replacement surgery is typically recommended for people who are experiencing ongoing chronic knee pain and disability due to the damage in their knee joint. Your doctor may suggest a total knee replacement if:
Conservative treatments such as medications, injections, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes have failed to relieve your knee pain and improve your function.
Your knee pain and stiffness are severe enough to limit your everyday activities, such as walking, climbing stairs, and getting in and out of chairs.
Your knee pain is causing you to have difficulty sleeping or performing daily tasks.
X-rays and other diagnostic tests show that the damage to your knee joint is severe enough to require surgical intervention.
Here's how it works:
First, you'll be given anaesthesia to make you comfortable and prevent pain. Then, the surgeon will make a cut in your knee to access the joint. They'll remove the damaged cartilage and bone and replace them with metal and plastic components that fit together to create a new joint. The new joint will move smoothly and provide a stable and pain-free knee.
After the surgery, you'll need to rest and recover for a few days in the hospital. You'll work with a clinician to start moving your knee and building strength. You might need to use crutches or a walker for a while, but as you heal, you'll be able to gradually increase your activity level.
A total knee replacement can be a big help if you're struggling with ongoing knee pain which is impacting your quality of life. It can potentially help to reduce your pain, help you move more easily, and improve your quality of life. Of course, there are some risks associated with any surgery and requires a period of recovery and rehabilitation to regain strength and flexibility in the knee joint. So you'll need to discuss your options with your doctor/specialist and weigh up the pros and cons before making a decision.
Your doctor/specialist will evaluate your individual case and discuss the benefits and risks of surgery with you before making a recommendation for total knee replacement. They will also consider your age, overall health, and other medical conditions before making a recommendation.
