The most common symptom among elderly and even among young individuals who have gone through traumas is knee pain. When pain has already become so severe that even simple activities such as walking, climbing stairs, or standing are already impossible, total knee replacement can be given by physicians.
Total knee replacement is the most successful and desired surgery in the entire world. It offers many advantages to patients by reducing pain, enhancing mobility, and becoming healthier. In this blog, everything regarding total knee replacement will be discussed in a simple way: what it is, why it is done, how the procedure is done, recovery, complications, advantages, cost, and experience of patients.
What Is Total Knee Replacement?
Total knee replacement, also known as total knee arthroplasty, is a surgical intervention in which an abnormal or diseased knee joint is replaced by removing it and attaching an artificial joint using a prosthesis.
It contains metal and plastic components. The knee replaces the functional knee more effectively with a smooth gliding surface and pain-free. It is designed to provide movement and maximize total function.
Why is Total Knee Replacement Done?
Surgeons advise total knee replacement in the following:
- Pain and stiffness continue because of severe arthritis
- Cartilage of the knee breaks down
- Bones of the knee rub against one another and hurt
- Medications, injections, and physical therapy do not provide pain relief
- Pain occurs because of walking, climbing stairs, or even being at rest due to painful knees
Osteoarthritis is the most common reason, but may also occur because of deformity, trauma, or rheumatoid arthritis.
Types of Knee Replacement
Total Knee Replacement
The whole knee joint is replaced with prosthetic material. It is done most frequently.
Partial Knee Replacement
The damaged portion of the knee is replaced individually, and the other healthy portions are not disturbed.
Revision Knee Replacement
If a previously implanted knee replacement device is weakening or fails, another surgery is performed to resurface the artificial joint once more.
Preparation for Surgery
The patient is also given a full medical assessment prior to surgery. These include:
- Imaging and laboratory tests (MRI, X-ray)
- Physical examination
- Medication history
- Smoking or weight loss counseling if necessary
- Consultation with a physical therapist to notify them about recovery exercises
Risks and benefits are also explained by physicians so that the patient can make a proper decision.
The Procedure
1 to 2 hours are spent doing the procedure.
- Anesthesia: The patient is given spinal or general anesthesia so that the patient will not feel anything during operation.
- Incision: Incision is performed on the anterior part of the knee to open the joint.
- Debridement: The damaged cartilage and bone are debrided from the knee joint surface.
- Prosthesis Implantation: The artificial joint is fitted over the bone ends. The implants are held in place by a special cement or implants with a pore system that permits the bone to grow into the implant naturally.
- Closure: The incision is closed and dressed.
Patients usually are taken to a recovery room where they are monitored after surgery.
Recovery After Total Knee Replacement
Recovery is the half of success. Most patients are hospitalized for 2 or 3 days, and some are discharged on the same day from specialty clinics.
Early Recovery (First Few Weeks)
- Patients begin mobilizing knee within less than 24 hours
- Physical therapy to strengthen muscles begins
- Rule is walking with crutches or walker
- Pain is controlled by pain medicines
Mid Recovery (First 3 Months)
- Patients begin returning to normal activity gradually
- Range of motion and flexibility are increased with exercises
- Stiffness and swelling decrease
- Walking aids are discontinued
Long-Term Rehabilitation
- 6 months to 1 year may be required in order to be fully recovered
- Most patients can walk independently, climb stairs, and participate in low-impact sports such as cycling or swimming
- High-impact sports should not be attempted in order to avoid excessive stress on the new joint
Advantages of Total Knee Replacement
- Alleviation of arthritic pain
- Improved mobility and function to perform activities of daily living
- Increased quality of life and increased independence
- Success beyond 15-20 years or more (the implants)
- Over 90 percent patient satisfaction rate
Hazards and Complications
Total knee replacement, as with all surgery, involves dangers, but again infrequently serious. Dangers are:
- Infection of the joint prosthesis
- Leg blood clot
- Wear or loosening of the implant with time
- Nerve or artery damage
- Restricted motion or stiffness
- Reaction to materials in the implant
Surgeons do everything they can to avoid these, and patients are instructed about post-op care.
Cost of Total Knee Replacement
Cost is location, hospital, physician, and insurance based. Average cost in the United States is:
- Total cost without insurance: $30,000 to $50,000
- With insurance: out-of-pocket cost is much less
- Physical therapy: $50-$150 per session, typically insurance covered
Most of the locations outside the country are less expensive. Payment plans or financial assistance is offered by some of the hospitals.
Patient Experience
There is much relief for most of the patients after surgery. Most of the patients indicate that they can walk, work, and even play light sports without any ache.
Some of the interesting observations of the feedback given are:
- Pain and stiffness make early weeks challenging
- Physical therapy success tool
- Long-term outcome extremely gratifying
- Patients get more self-sufficient and active than ever before in life pre-operatively
Prevention of Future Knee Problems
Even patients undergoing surgery must give appropriate care to their knees. These are:
- Maintenance of normal weight
- Low-impact exercises like cycling or swimming
- Avoiding running and jumping sports
- Maintenance of good posture and balance
- Rest at home along with physical therapy exercises
Future of Knee Replacement Surgery
Medical science is making daily knee replacement surgery better. Nobody knows what the future holds but might include:
- 25 to 30 years longer-lasting implants
- Robot-assisted surgeries for finer results
- Less invasive surgeries for rapid recovery
- Immunogenicity-free implants developed from every patient’s anatomy
These technologies will work better with patients in the next few years.
FAQs
How long will my total knee replacement last?
15 to 20 years will get most implants, but others may live longer if cared for.
How bad is recovery?
There is minimal post-op discomfort, but this is controlled by medication and subsides with treatment.
Will I be walking normally following surgery?
Yes, most patients are able to walk normally within a few weeks and have normal mobility within two months.
Is the procedure safe?
Yes, it is extremely safe. There is little risk of serious complications, especially with skilled surgeons.
Are both knees replaced simultaneously?
Yes, double knee replacement is performed by surgeons in some instances but only if the patient is sufficiently healthy.
Total knee replacement is perhaps the most successful operation for those with crippling and debilitating knee pain. It increases mobility, eliminates agony, and allows patients to live a normal life.
If surgeons are proficient enough, with proper technology and rehabilitation, success is extremely high and the implants will last decades. Although the post-operative weeks can be tough, long-term gains are revolutionary.
If you cannot live your life to the fullest due to knee pain, then total knee replacement can be magic. You can walk once again, get the freedom of movement restored, and be able to live life with confidence again with proper treatment and rehabilitation.
