Total Knee Replacement

Total Knee Replacement (TKR) is a surgical procedure that involves replacing damaged or worn-out knee joint surfaces with artificial implants. This procedure helps relieve pain, improve joint function, and restore mobility in patients suffering from severe knee arthritis, injury, or other degenerative conditions.

Total knee replacement (TKR), also known as total knee arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure performed to relieve pain and restore function in severely diseased knee joints. This procedure is typically recommended for patients suffering from chronic knee pain due to osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or other degenerative conditions that have not responded to conservative treatments.

There are a number of benefits that come from having the Total Knee Replacement from the best knee replacement surgeon in Nagpur.Osteoarthritis or OA knee is the second most common rheumatologic problem & the most frequent joint disease with prevalence of 22% to 39% in India. OA knee is more common in woman than men but the prevalence increases dramatically with age. Total Knee Replacement is one of the most successful joint surgery developed in the recent past. Over the years the implant technology, surgical methodology, post operative pain management and physiotherapy protocols have evolved so much that the patient undergoing Knee replacement today walks on the same day as surgery. Knee Arthritis results in knee pain, disability, limping and eventually loss of mobility thereby deteriorating quality of life and increasing dependency on others. We at Star Orthocare use the best implant technology available to restore mobility of your knee. Keeping in mind surgical indications , we include the patient in the decision making process for which implant to use for there knee. Our patient walks on the day of surgery itself and we use novel pain control protocol post operatively to make the patients healing process more comfortable. We have a result oriented approach to patients knee arthritis.

Who Needs Total Knee Replacement?

TKR is recommended for individuals experiencing:

Severe knee pain that interferes with daily activities
Chronic knee inflammation and swelling
Knee deformities (bowing in or out of the leg)
Stiffness and limited range of motion
Failure to respond to non-surgical treatments like medication or physical therapy

Benefits of Total Knee Replacement

Pain relief
Improved mobility
Better quality of life
Long-lasting results (typically 15-20 years)
Correction of deformities

Procedure Overview

Pre-Surgery Preparation: Medical evaluation, imaging tests, and preoperative counseling.
Surgery: Damaged bone and cartilage are removed and replaced with prosthetic components made of metal and plastic.
Post-Surgery Recovery: Physical therapy, pain management, and gradual return to daily activities.

Anatomy of the Knee

The knee joint is one of the largest and most complex joints in the human body. It is composed of three main parts:

Femur (thigh bone)
Tibia (shin bone)
Patella (kneecap)

Cartilage covers the ends of these bones, allowing them to glide smoothly against each other. The knee also contains ligaments, tendons, and synovial fluid that help stabilize and lubricate the joint.

Indications for Total Knee Replacement

Total knee replacement is recommended when:

Severe knee pain limits daily activities such as walking, climbing stairs, or getting in and out of chairs
Pain persists even during rest
Chronic inflammation and swelling do not improve with medications or physical therapy
Knee deformity, such as bowing in or out
Failure of conservative treatments like medications, injections, or physical therapy

Preoperative Evaluation

Before surgery, the orthopedic surgeon conducts a comprehensive evaluation, which includes:

Medical history
Physical examination
X-rays
MRI or CT scans (if necessary)
Blood tests

The patient is also advised to manage chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension to minimize surgical risks.

Surgical Procedure

Total knee replacement surgery typically involves the following steps:

Anesthesia: The patient is administered either general anesthesia or spinal anesthesia.
Incision: A vertical incision is made along the front of the knee.
Bone Preparation: Damaged cartilage and bone are removed from the ends of the femur and tibia.
Implant Placement: Metal implants are attached to the ends of the femur and tibia using specialized cement.
Patella Resurfacing: The underside of the kneecap may be resurfaced with a plastic button.
Insertion of Spacer: A medical-grade plastic spacer is inserted between the metal components to allow smooth movement.
Closure: The incision is closed with sutures or staples, and a sterile dressing is applied.

Postoperative Care

Hospital Stay: Patients typically stay in the hospital for 2-3 days.
Pain Management: Pain is controlled with medications, including opioids, NSAIDs, and local anesthetics.
Physical Therapy: Rehabilitation begins the day after surgery, focusing on restoring knee motion and strength.
Home Care: Patients are given instructions for wound care, medication, and physical activity.