Total Knee Replacement (TKR), also called Total Knee Arthroplasty, is a surgery that replaces a damaged or diseased knee joint with artificial implants. TKR surgery is usually recommended for people with severe arthritis or a serious knee injury when medications or less invasive treatments don’t help. Over the years, improvements in medical technology and surgical techniques have made a big difference in how often this procedure works and the healing time. But, like any other surgery, TKR should be done after careful consideration of many factors.
Delving Deeper into TKR Surgery
Before you understand the pros and cons of TKR Surgery, you need to know how it works. In knee surgery, the end of the femur (the bone at the top of the thigh) is replaced with a metal shell, and the end of the tibia (the bone at the bottom of the leg) is replaced with a plastic piece attached to a metal stem. Depending on the situation, the patella (kneecap) might also be resurfaced and given a plastic part.
it’s the objective of TKR is to improve the patient’s mobility and quality of life by relieving chronic knee pain and functional limitations.
Looking at the pros of TKR surgery
TKR has many benefits, but the biggest one is that it can greatly reduce or even completely get rid of knee pain. This pain relief is often so great that many people with total knee replacement say their quality of life has greatly improved. Now that they don’t have pain, they can resume their normal lives and enjoy things they used to avoid because their symptoms were so bad.
Another benefit of Knee replacement is that it makes the knee functional. The artificial parts used in the procedure realign the knee and make it move like it did before. This makes it easier and more comfortable to move around. As a result of being able to do more physical activities without pain, this improved function often leads to increased strength and overall fitness.
Know more about Recovery Tips for Knee Replacement Surgery
Recognizing the cons of TKR
Like any other surgery, TKR can have negative effects. First, some risks come with surgery, such as infection, blood clots, nerve damage, and problems with the anaesthesia. Still, these risks have been reduced due to the development of better surgical techniques and improved care after surgery.
Another important thing to consider is how long it takes to heal after TKR Surgery. Most people can start moving around gently a day or two after surgery, but full recovery may take several months. During this time, you will need to do a lot of physical therapy and rehab exercises, which are important for getting your knee strong and mobile again.
Lastly, knee replacements last for many years, but they may wear out or become loose over time, especially in younger or more active people. It could lead to the need for revision surgery in the future, which is something to think about when considering TKR Surgery.
Making a Choice: Should You Have TKR?
TKR Surgery is a personal choice that should be made after consulting a skilled orthopaedic surgeon. Think about your overall health, how bad your knee pain is, and how it affects your quality of life. Weighing the pros and cons of TKR Surgery can help you decide if it’s the right choice for you.
To sum up, TKR surgery can be a game-changer for people with severe knee pain caused by long-term conditions like arthritis or accidents. It could alleviate the pain, make the knee work better, and get the person back to doing normal day-to-day things. But the procedure does come with risks and requires a long time for healing.
The experts at leading hospitals say that you should talk to your orthopaedic surgeon in depth about all relevant aspects to make an informed decision. When making this choice, you should weigh the pros and cons, think about your personal health goals, and think about how your knee condition affects your daily life. By doing this, you can ensure that total knee replacement is the right choice for you if you decide to get it.
