Choose Safe Knee Replacement at Be Well Hospitals
Knee replacement (also known as knee arthroplasty) is a surgical procedure where damaged or worn-out knee joint surfaces are replaced with artificial implants. It is commonly recommended for patients suffering from severe osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or traumatic injury that limits mobility and causes chronic pain. The goal is to relieve pain, improve joint function, and restore mobility.
Total Knee Replacement (TKR): Replacement of all joint surfaces in the knee.
Partial Knee Replacement: Only the damaged portion of the knee is replaced.
Robotic-Assisted Knee Replacement: Enhanced precision for better alignment and quicker recovery.
Revision Knee Replacement: Replacement of a previously implanted artificial joint that has worn out or failed.
Bilateral Knee Replacement: Both knees are replaced in a single surgical session or in stages.
Be Well Hospitals provide cutting-edge orthopaedic care tailored to your individual needs. Our skilled team uses advanced techniques and high-quality implants to ensure optimal results.
Duration: Surgery lasts 1–2 hours.
Hospital Stay: Typically 3–5 days post-surgery.
Recovery Time: Resume daily activities within 4–6 weeks with physiotherapy. Full recovery may take 3–6 months.
TKR is typically recommended when non-surgical treatments such as medication, physical therapy, or assistive devices no longer provide adequate relief from knee pain and dysfunction caused by conditions like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or post-traumatic arthritis.
The potential benefits of TKR include significant reduction or elimination of knee pain, improved knee function and mobility, enhanced quality of life, increased ability to perform daily activities, and the potential for a more active lifestyle.
The duration of TKR surgery varies, but it typically takes around 1 to 2 hours to complete. However, the specific time can depend on various factors, including the complexity of the case and the surgeon’s experience.
The recovery timeline after TKR surgery varies among individuals, but most patients can expect to start walking with the help of a walker or crutches on the day of or day after surgery. Physical therapy and rehabilitation are typically prescribed to help regain strength and mobility, with a gradual return to normal activities within a few weeks to a few months.
Pain management after TKR surgery typically involves a combination of medications, including pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, and, in some cases, local anaesthesia or nerve blocks. Physical therapy, ice packs, and elevation of the leg may also help manage pain and swelling.
The initial step is administering anaesthesia, either as general anaesthesia for unconsciousness or regional anaesthesia (spinal/epidural) for numbing the lower body while the patient is awake. This ensures comfort and pain control during surgery.
Once the patient is under anaesthesia, the surgeon makes an incision over the knee joint. The size and location of the incision can vary but are usually several inches long and made along the front or side of the knee.
The damaged and diseased portions of the knee joint are then carefully removed. This includes the damaged cartilage, bone, and any debris that might have accumulated within the joint. The goal is to prepare the joint for the implant components.
The next step is placing artificial knee components: a metal femoral, a metal/plastic tibial, and optionally a plastic patellar component. These are fixed with bone cement or press-fit techniques promoting bone growth into the implants.
Once the components are in place, the surgeon checks the alignment and function of the new joint. This step is crucial to ensure that the knee joint will function properly, providing stability and a good range of motion.
Once verified, alignment and functionality, the incision is closed using sutures or staples. Postoperative care includes wound care, pain management, and vital physical therapy for restoring strength, flexibility, and proper mobility.