Total knee Replacement

Contents

• Introduction
• Total knee replacement
• Preparation for surgery
• Pre- op Visit
• After surgery
• Physical therapy and Exercise program
• Guidelines for care.

Introduction

The knee joint is among the strongest, largest and most complex joints of the body. When you walk, sit, squat, climb stairs up and down, play, jump and drive or do many other simple movements, you are depending on the knee for support and mobility.

When your knee is healthy, you may take it for granted, not giving a thought about the job it does for you. However, once it starts to become painful, stiff and you are forced to restrict certain activities, you may come to realise how much freedom of movement means for you.

Fortunately, today’s remarkable advances in medical technology and research makes it possible to replace the knee joint with long-lasting durable and fine-tuned artificial one that eliminates pain, corrects the deformity, strengthens your legs and improves your quality of life. This page provides information for you and your family regarding Total Knee Replacement surgery. The surgical procedure, pre-operative and post-operative Care, the risks and benefits of surgery, as well as rehabilitation, are explained.

Please read and discuss with your family before your total knee replacement surgery. The orthopedic surgeon’s goals are to restore your knee to a painless, functional status and to make your hospital stay as beneficial, informative and comfortable as possible. Please feel free to ask questions or share concerns with your consultant surgeon and physiotherapist.

Total Knee Replacement

Total knee replacement is a surgical procedure in which damaged components of the knee joint are replaced with artificial parts. The procedure is performed through a skin incision on the front of the knee; the muscular, ligamentous and bony components of the joint are exposed.

The worn out bony surfaces are shaved off with special instruments (resurfacing) and replaced with implants. Most common implant consists of three component the femoral, tibial and the patellar component.

Popular femoral component designs use highly specialized heavy metal alloys (Stainless steel, vanadium, titanium etc.) and are contoured more or less like the original bone.

The tibial component is a metal platform which holds a plastic tray (High density polyethylene) and this surface moves against the femur during joint motion. The patellar component is an all plastic button like implant which moves in the femoral notch simulating normal joint motion.

Who is a candidate for surgery ?

People suffering from severe arthritis of knee joints.

Daily knee pains from a very long time with swelling.

Debilitating pain restricting activities of daily living.

Severe deformity of the legs following knee pains (bent or bowlegs).

People suffering with rheumatoid arthritis.( young and old )

Arthritis or deformity following bony or ligamentous injuries around the knee joint

What can I expect from an artificial knee? Benefits of a Total Knee Replacement:-

An artificial knee is not a natural knee, so it is unfair to expect it to function as a normal free joint. But a near normal function of the new joint is an achievable target.

With the availability of technically advanced implants and well established surgical expertise in premier institutions such as Apollo group of hospitals the success rate of this surgery has been reported world wide approximately 97% at a 12 year follow up.

The average life of the implant for all age groups and indications has been found to be 15 years.

Relief from joint pain and stiffness.

Improve joint movement.

Ability for independent movement.

Improvement in the alignment of the deformed joints.

Independence to carry out functional activities of daily living like; walking, climbing stairs up and down, swimming, driving and social activities.

What are the risks of Total Knee Replacement?

Total Knee Replacement is a major operation. In spite of all precautions some complications are encountered in clinical practice. The most common complications are:-

• Blood clots in legs.
• Blood clots in lungs.
• Post operative blood loss may require transfusion
• Complications affecting the knee are less common, they are:-
• Loosening of the prosthesis.
• Knee Stiffness.
• Infection in the knee

PREPARATION FOR SURGERY

Maintaining good physical health before your operation is important. Activities that will increase your upper body strength will improve your ability to use walker or crutches after surgery. A blood transfusion may be needed after the operation. The Physician may order blood tests and urine analysis to rule out the presence of any infections. A review of your medical condition is necessary. Chest x-rays and an ECG may also be taken.