What is total knee replacement?

Total knee replacement or knee arthroplasty is a surgical procedure which involves replacing a knee that has been damaged by injury or arthritis with prostheses artticulating ends of the femur(thigh bone) ,tibia (leg bone) and patella (knee cap) are resurfaced and is conducted on patients who have suffered a severe knee injury or have severe osteoarthritis.

Knee injury or arthritis can make simple activities like climbing stairs or walking very painful. Arthritis can also cause pain when you are resting, lying down or sitting. Total knee replacement is suggested for patients who have had poor results with using walking supports or medication. This goal of this procedure is to relieve severe pain and disability caused by arthritis or injury and to enable the patient to walk normally.

What happens during a total knee replacement?

A total knee replacement involves the resurfacing and replacement of surface of the knee bones. The procedure is performed under general or regional anaesthesia, so the patient will be asleep throughout the surgery. An incision is made along the kneecap area so the surgeon can access the affected underlying cartilage and bone. This procedure involves four steps:

• The affected cartilage at the ends of the tibia and femur and some underlying bone are removed
• These parts are replaced with metal prostheses which are used to recreate the joint’s surface
• The underside of the kneecap is resurfaced with plastic prostheses
• A smooth gliding surface is created by inserting a plastic (polyethylene) spacer between the metal components

Who is eligible for total knee replacement?

There are many reasons why a total knee replacement procedure is recommended. People who have any of the following conditions are prime candidates for total knee replacement surgery:

• Stiffness or severe knee pain that limits daily activities such as climbing stairs, getting
• in and out of chairs or walking
• Chronic swelling and inflammation of the knee area that does not respond to medication or rest
• Moderate to severe discomfort or knee pain while resting
• Bowing of the knees or other deformities
• Inadequate or negative response to other treatments like physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medication or lubricating injections

There are no weight or age restrictions to be eligible for total knee replacement surgery. If you are experiencing any discomfort or pain in your knees, book an appointment with our experienced orthopaedic doctors today.