Total Knee Replacement

Overview

The knee is made up of the thighbone (femur), the leg bone (tibia), and the kneecap (patella). The ends of these bones are covered with cartilage. The loss of this cartilage is called arthritis.

Arthritis can cause significant symptoms of pain, swelling and stiffness and can impact everyday activities.

Do I need a Total Knee Replacement?

Total knee replacement is recommended when conservative measures such as weight loss, anti-inflammatory medications, steroid injections, lubricating gel injections, PRP injections and physical therapy fail to relieve these symptoms.

Knee replacement surgery removes the arthritic cartilage and replaces it with metal and plastic.

Sometimes if only one area of the knee is arthritic a partial knee replacement may be an option.

What are the Risks of Knee Replacement Surgery?

When undergoing knee replacement surgery it is important to have a complete understanding of the risks and benefits involved.

85-90% of people who undergo total knee replacement surgery experience a reduction of pain, improvement in the ability to perform routine activities of daily living, and overall satisfaction.

Realistic activities following total knee replacement include walking, swimming, golf, driving, biking, light tennis and other low-impact sports.

Prior to surgery it is important to discuss the minor and major complications associated with Total Knee Replacement surgery. Some risks included persistent pain, infection, blood clots, loosening, a need for revision surgery.

Summary

More than 90% of modern day knee replacements are functioning 15 years after surgery. Total knee replacement may be an option if you have persistent pain that is significantly affecting your day to day living and you have failed other treatment options.