Total Knee Replacement
Total knee replacement (TKR) is the most common surgical procedure used to treat a patient with an arthritic knee. It can restore function and relieve pain associated with a significantly affected knee. In total knee replacement, all parts sides of the joint, the femur, tibia, and patella replaced with components that act just like a normal knee. All arthritic surfaces, and any parts that move on one another are resurfaced. Some patients may be candidates for a less invasive procedure, a partial knee replacement, where only the affected part of the knee is replaced.
While most patients who undergo total knee replacement are between ages 55 to 80, indications for surgery include both younger and older patients, depending on their pain and disability. People who need knee replacement surgery usually have problems walking, climbing stairs, and getting in and out of chairs. They may also experience moderate or severe knee pain at rest.
Recommendations for surgery are based on a patient's pain and disability, not age. Total knee replacements have been successfully performed at all ages, from the teenager with juvenile arthritis to the elderly patient with degenerative arthritis.
While most patients who undergo total knee replacement are between ages 55 to 80, indications for surgery include both younger and older patients, depending on their pain and disability. People who need knee replacement surgery usually have problems walking, climbing stairs, and getting in and out of chairs. They may also experience moderate or severe knee pain at rest.
Recommendations for surgery are based on a patient's pain and disability, not age. Total knee replacements have been successfully performed at all ages, from the teenager with juvenile arthritis to the elderly patient with degenerative arthritis.
Click image to see an animation of a total knee replacement.
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In most cases, a total knee replacement becomes the best option when your arthritic knee causes so much pain that it interferes with your overall quality of life. For many patients, this means that the arthritis pain limits walking, standing, climbing stairs, or interferes with sleep.
During knee replacement, a surgeon cuts away damaged bone and cartilage from your thighbone (femur), shinbone (tibia) and kneecap (patella) and replaces it with an artificial joint made of metal alloys and high-grade plastics. |
