Knee-Joint Replacement Surgery:

Knee-joint replacement surgery, total knee replacement or TKR all refer to the procedure which replaces a damaged knee-joint with an artificial one. The knee is resurfaced during the procedure, and the cartilage and bone are replaced with metal and plastic.

The knee joint is a type of hinge that facilitates leg motion. Arthritis and injuries are some of the reasons why knees become damaged. If a knee is damaged beyond repair, then it is time for a total knee replacement since the damage may cause continuous pain, stiffness, instability, and it may impair normal function.

The length of a total knee replacement procedure is generally 1 to 3 hours

You can expect to stay in the hospital for 2 to 4 days following the surgery, and  you should plan to be in the country for about 10 days, depending on how well you heal and whether you meet certain criteria before the surgeon can release you including:

• Bending your knee at 90 degree angle
• Getting in and out of bed on your own
• Extending your knee straight out
• Walking using crutches or a walker
• Completing one rep of the excercises you must do at home

Details of the Procedure:

General or epidural anesthesia must be administered before knee-joint replacement surgery can begin. When the anesthesia has taken effect, the knee will be scrubbed with an antiseptic liquid to prep it for surgery.

The knee will be flexed at a 90 degree angle using a special device that holds the lower leg and foot in place during the procedure. The surgeon will proceed to make an incision, and the damaged bone and cartilage will be removed.

Bone will also be removed from other areas so that the artificial knee fits properly. The front and back part of the femur, the top surface of the tibia, and the back of the knee cap are then removed.

The surgeon will complete the procedure by repairing the muscles and ligaments that will hold the artificial knee in place. The incisions will be closed with sutures; the knee will be wrapped with a sterile bandage, and a tube may be put in place so that the wound can drain properly.

Artificial Knee Components:

Artificial knees are composed of plastic and metal. Metal is placed on the end of the tibia and femur, and a plastic spacer is place in between as a buffer. The knee cap implant is composed of plastic.

Artificial knees come in several different designs, and many are designed with pegs that will require small holes being drilled into the bone surface for good placement. There are also implants that are secured with central stems and screws.

After the Procedure:

Many patients report feeling sick, dizzy, and/or tired immediately after the knee replacement procedure. This is a normal side-effect of the medications used in anesthesia, and the medical staff will closely monitor you so that there are no further complications.

Results:

For many patients, total knee replacement surgery is a life-altering procedure, but this does not mean that it is free of any risks or complications. However, once they are completely healed, most patients are able to take part in activities that they were unable to before having knee replacement surgery. On average, you can expect your knee replacement to last from 10 to 15 years.

Complications and Risks:

Although knee replacement surgery is rather common, it does not mean that it is risk free. Therefore, it is important to discuss the complications and risks that knee-joint replacement surgery can entail with your surgeon before you have your surgery.

The most common risks can include:

• Blood Clots
• Blood Loss
• Infection
• Stiffness
• Hip Dislocation

You must contact your knee surgeon if:

• You develop any swelling
• Your pain increases
• If you develop drainage from the incision site
• If you develop redness around the incision
  If you develop a fever