Total Knee Replacement

A total knee replacement is an excellent surgical option to treat patients with disabling arthritis in the knee . The common symptoms of arthritis iinclude pain, swelling and stiffness.

What is Total Knee Replacement?

Total knee replacement, also called total knee arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure in which the worn out or damaged surfaces of the knee joint are removed and replaced with an artificial prosthesis.

Knee Arthritis

The knee is made up of the femur (thighbone), tibia (shinbone) and patella (kneecap). The two menisci, the soft cartilage between the femur and tibia, serve as a cushion and help absorb shock during motion. Arthritis (inflammation of the joints), injury or other diseases of the joint can damage the protective cartilage layer, causing extreme pain and difficulty in performing daily activities. In an arthritic knee, the cartilage itself becomes thinner or may wear out almost completely. In addition, the bones become thicker around the edges of the joint and may form bony “spurs”. These factors can cause pain and restrict the range of motion in the joint.

Indications for Total Knee Replacement

Total knee replacement surgery is commonly indicated for severe osteoarthritis of the knee. Osteoarthritis is one of the many types of arthritis. It is the most common form of knee arthritis in which the joint cartilage gradually wears away, and often affects the elderly. Yoy may benefit from a knee replacement if you have:

Severe knee pain that limits your daily activities (such as walking, getting up from a chair or climbing stairs)
Moderate-to-severe pain that occurs during rest or awakens you at night
Chronic knee inflammation and swelling that is not relieved with rest or medications
Failure to obtain pain relief from medications and other conservative treatments
The pain is interfering with your quality of life

Total Knee Replacement Procedure

The goal of total knee replacement surgery is to relieve pain and restore the alignment and function of your knee.

The surgery is performed under spinal or general anaesthesia. Your surgeon will make an incision in the skin over the affected knee to expose the knee joint. Then, the damaged portions of the femur bone are cut at appropriate angles using specialized jigs. The femoral metal component is implanted on the the end of the femur ( thigh bone ) .
Cuts are made in the upper end of the tibia (shinbone) . This removes the deformed part of the bone and any bony growths, as well as creates a smooth surface on which the implants can be attached. Next, the tibial metal component is secured to the end of the bone , usually with bone cement.
A plastic spacer is then fitted between the two metallic components to provide a smooth gliding surface for movement.
The femur and the tibia with the new metal components and the plastic insert between them now form the joint .
With all the new components in place, the knee joint is tested through its range of motion. The entire joint is then irrigated and cleaned with a sterile solution. The incision is carefully closed; and a sterile dressing is placed over the incision.

Postoperative Care Following Total Knee Replacement

Rehabilitation begins immediately following the surgery. A physical therapist will teach you specific exercises to strengthen your leg and restore knee movement. You will be able to walk with crutches or a walker. Your physical therapist will also provide you with a home exercise program to strengthen your thigh and calf muscles.

During the consultation, Mr Taneja will answer any questions you may have about the procedure. After examining your knee and reviewing X Rays he will be able to advise you regarding your suitability fo undergo a Knee Replacement. He will also go through the benefits and risks of the surgery with you in detail.