Total Knee Replacement

What is Total Knee Replacement ?

Total knee replacement, also known as total knee arthroplasty. This surgical intervention involves taking out the worn or damaged portions of the knee joint and replacing them with an artificial prosthesis. It's a complex procedure, but it can be a game-changer for those looking to improve their quality of life.

Knee Arthritis:

Composed of the femur (thighbone), tibia (shinbone), and patella (kneecap), the knee relies on two menisci - the soft cartilage situated between the femur and tibia - to serve as a shock absorber and cushion during movement. Unfortunately, joint inflammation (arthritis), injury, or other ailments can cause harm to this protective layer, resulting in severe pain and difficulty carrying out daily tasks. The cartilage in an arthritic knee can either thin or disappear entirely, while the bones surrounding the joint can thicken and create bony spurs. These factors contribute to pain and limited mobility within the joint.

Indications For Total Knee Replacement

If you have advanced osteoarthritis of the knee, which is the most common type of arthritis affecting older adults, total knee replacement surgery may be recommended. This surgical procedure involves replacing the damaged joint with artificial components to improve mobility and alleviate pain. Surgeons may suggest total knee replacement if you have severe joint cartilage damage. Indications for this surgery may include.

• Severe knee pain that restricts everyday activities such as walking, standing up from a chair, or climbing stairs.
• Moderate to severe pain that persists even during rest and disrupts sleep.
• Chronic knee inflammation and swelling that persists despite rest and medication.
• Lack of pain relief from medications, injections, physical therapy or other non-surgical treatments; and a knee deformity, such as bow-leggedness.

Total Knee Replacement Procedure:

The aim of undergoing a total knee replacement surgery is to alleviate discomfort and restore the alignment and proper functioning of the knee joint.

The surgery is carried out under either general or spinal anaesthesia. Surgeon will make an incision in the skin covering the affected knee to expose the joint. They will then utilize specialized jigs to cut the damaged portions of the femur bone at appropriate angles. The femoral component will be attached to the end of the femur with or without bone cement.

Subsequently, the surgeon will cut or shave off the affected area of the tibia (shinbone) and cartilage, removing the deformed part of the bone and any bony growths. This procedure will create a smooth surface for the implants to be attached. The tibial component will then be secured to the end of the bone using either bone cement or screws.

To enable smooth gliding movement, the surgeon will insert a plastic piece known as an articular surface between the implants. This plastic insert will support the body's weight and function like the original meniscus cartilage, allowing the femur to move over the tibia.

The femur and tibia, along with the new components, are then fitted together to form the new knee joint. To ensure the patella (kneecap) moves smoothly over the new artificial knee, the rear surface of the patella is also prepared to receive a plastic component.

Once all the new components are in place, the surgeon will test the knee joint's range of motion. They will then irrigate and clean the entire joint with a sterile solution. The incision will be carefully closed, and drains inserted, with a sterile dressing placed over the incision.