A total knee replacement is a surgical procedure in which a damaged or
arthritic knee joint is completely removed and replaced with an artificial
joint made of metal, plastic, or a combination of both. The procedure
aims to alleviate pain, improve mobility, and restore function to the knee.
Candidates for Total Knee Replacement
A total knee replacement is recommended for patients with advanced arthritis
or severe injury who have not found success with more conservative methods
like physical therapy and medication.
You may be a candidate if you meet the following criteria:
Arthritis has spread to three or more parts of your knee.
Your pain has not improved with medication, physical therapy, or other
conservative treatments.
There is significant damage to the cartilage, bone, and other structures
of the knee joint, causing bone rubbing against bone.
You experience a decreased range of motion and reduced function, which
greatly impacts your quality of life.
A total knee replacement involves replacing the entire damaged knee joint
with an artificial prosthesis, while a partial knee replacement only replaces
the damaged part of the knee joint. Your doctor will consider factors
such as the extent of your damage, age, overall health, and activity level
when determining which type of knee replacement is best for you. It is
important to discuss all your options with your doctor and ask any questions
you may have before deciding on which surgery is best for your case.
Benefits of Total Knee Replacement
Patients who undergo a total knee replacement will not only find relief
from chronic knee pain but also experience a dramatic improvement in their
overall quality of life. The surgery can open up a world of possibilities,
allowing individuals to engage in activities they may have previously
avoided due to pain and discomfort. This can lead to a more fulfilling
and active lifestyle. A total knee replacement can significantly improve
mobility and function in the knee. This makes daily tasks such as walking,
climbing stairs, and getting in and out of the car easier. Many patients
also report better sleep quality as they are no longer kept awake by relentless
pain and discomfort.
The success rate of total knee replacements is remarkably high, providing
patients with a long-term solution for their knee pain. In fact, the results
of this surgery can last for 15 to 20 years or more, meaning that individuals
can enjoy a pain-free and active lifestyle for decades to come. This makes
total knee replacement a highly effective and sustainable option for managing
chronic knee pain.
Expected Results
Upon leaving the health system, patients generally continue their recovery at
home with outpatient physical therapy visits 203 times a week. This can
last several months and is crucial for regaining strength, mobility, and
range of motion in the knee.
Most patients are able to return to light activities and work after six
to eights weeks, but it may take up to up to six months to fully recover
and resume more strenuous activities.
The success rate of total knee replacement surgery is generally high, with
over 95% of patients experiencing significant pain relief and improved
function after the surgery. However, success rates can vary depending
on factors such as age, overall health, and previous medical history.
It is important to discuss these factors with your surgeon to determine
if total knee replacement is the right option for you.
For more information, contact the Joint & Spine Center at
307.739.6199.
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