Total Knee Replacement (TKR) or knee replacement surgery is an operation performed by replacing the damaged knee with an implant. Usually this operation is performed if the damage to the knee is severe, either due to a degenerative condition such as calcification of the knee ( Osteoarthritis ), or due to inflammatory joint disease such as rheumatoid arthritis ( Rheumatoid Arthritis ), or due to a traumatic knee injury.
When is TKR needed?
TKR surgery is usually performed for those of you who have osteoarthritis or other conditions that cause knee damage accompanied by severe pain. Surgery is required in the conditions below:
- Severe knee pain, both during activity and at rest
- Pain that interferes with daily life
- Severe pain that requires anti-pain medication every day
- The condition does not improve with physiotherapy
- The appearance of the knee changes progressively
- Knee pain increases the risk of falls
Also Read: Causes of Chronic Knee Pain
TKR Operation Procedure
At the beginning of the operation, spinal or epidural anesthesia will be performed, then followed by cleaning the knee area. The leg is then bent 90 degrees and the lower leg will be held in place during the operation. A tourniquet will be applied to the upper leg to reduce bleeding.
The knee will then be slashed and will continue with the following steps:
- Cleans the damaged joint from the bone surface and removes a small portion of bone from the knee area.
- Position the metal implant in the prepared knee area
- Returns the kneecap to its original position
- Placing a "spacer" between the iron implants in the knee will help the knee move
Complications
The risk of major complications after TKR occurs around 1 to 4.5 percent. After surgery, there is generally pain, swelling and stiffness which can be relieved with pain medication. Other complications that can occur are infections or blood blockages in the legs or lungs.
Preparation Before Carrying Out Surgery
The doctor will carry out blood tests & other examinations to determine the appropriate anesthesia. The doctor will also control any comorbidities you have. Other things to pay attention to are as follows:
- Stop blood thinners after consulting a doctor
- Quit smoking as soon as possible
- Fast 6 hours before surgery
Recovery Process
After surgery, you will be allowed to walk once the anesthesia is over. The physiotherapist will help you by using a walking aid. You will be allowed to go home from the hospital in 2-3 days. You may be given blood thinning medication to reduce the risk of blood clots.
The recovery process and time varies from person to person. In general, wounds will heal within 2 weeks. Bruising in normal knee and leg areas can occur. The use of a walking aid can be used for 4-6 weeks. Pain and swelling will improve with recovery. Knee physiotherapy and exercise are highly recommended to restore knee strength and mobility.
If you & your family have conditions as described above & need treatment. Immediately go to Grha Kedoya Hospital to consult with our best specialist doctor to immediately get appropriate & fast treatment and treatment.
Article written by
Dr. Handriadi Winaga, M. Kes, SpOT., AIFO-K
Specialist in Orthopedics and Traumatology
Because We Care