A total knee replacement (TKR) or total knee arthroplasty is an operation to replace a knee joint that is affected by arthritis.
Total Knee Replacement surgery replaces the arthritic knee joint with artificial metal or plastic replacement parts called the ‘prostheses’. These include replacing the:
The artificial knee joint is made from surgical-grade metal alloy and wear-resistant plastic. Total Knee Replacement has a high success rate, with over 90% still functioning well at 15 years. Prior to surgery, conservative treatments are usually tried, and if they fail, surgery is considered.
The procedure is usually recommended for older patients who suffer from pain and loss of function from arthritis and have failed results from other conservative methods of therapy.Total Knee Replacement candidacy is assessed individually, and it is more common than partial knee replacement.
Candidates can include:
A classic history with location of pain and exacerbating factors
Have restricted mobility that is interfering with their lifestyle
The decision to proceed with TKR surgery is a cooperative one between you, Dr Bradley Seeto, family and other medical professionals. The benefits following surgery are the relief of symptoms of arthritis.
These include:
Swelling
Pain waking you at night
Deformity- either bowleg or knock kneesSevere pain that limits your everyday activitiesThe benefits are that older patients or severely arthritic patients have a clear solution to help relieve symptoms and pain.
The procedure is designed to be performed with minimal local trauma
The knee joint is exposed using a minimally invasive approach
The patella (kneecap) will be resurfaced in most cases. 80% of the natural kneecap is retained
Trial components are inserted to check the accuracy of the cuts and determine the required plastic thickness between them.
The damaged portions of the femur and tibia are then cut at the appropriate angles using a high tech intra-operative computerised navigation system
The real components are then inserted with or without cement and the knee is again checked for implant fit, alignment and stability
The knee is then carefully closed with dissolving sutures and skin glue. Sterile waterproof dressings and a compression bandage are applied.
Each knee is individual and knee replacements take this into account by having different sizes for your knee. If there is more than the usual amount of bone loss, sometimes extra pieces of metal or bone are added. Custom implants are occasionally required.
Once it is decided that surgery is required, preparation is necessary to achieve the best results and a quick and problem free recovery.
Preparing mentally and physically for surgery important for a successful result.
As with any major operation, knee replacement surgery has potential risks and complications. Surgical complications may include:
Dr Seeto’s incidence of infection is 1:1000
Please discuss with me any concerns you may have before any procedure.
After your operation, you will have a drip in your arm for pain medication and antibiotics.You may need between 3-5 nights in the hospital, followed by a stay in a rehabilitation facility.
Crutches are required for 1 – 2 weeks following the replacement.
Remember to arrange for someone to take you home, as driving is not recommended for several weeks following knee replacement.
You may return to light work duties after 3-4 weeks. You will not be fit to perform work duties that involve:
My Total Knee Replacement Rapid Recovery Plan will assist you in recovering from surgery in the shortest time frame possible and should assist in the long term function of your new knee.
Recovery from Knee Surgery will usually take about 3 months, and you can expect the knee to improve for 12 – 18 months.
The physiotherapist will prepare an exercise programme. Much of the exercise programme can be done at home or at a gym, under your physiotherapist’s guidance.
A structured plan to assist you to recover from a knee replacement in the shortest possible time and to improve the long term function of your new knee
Dr Seeto in affiliation with Medibank Private and East Sydney Private hospital, offers a program for eligible Medibank Private Members, to eliminate medical out of pocket costs for your Knee Replacement.
The program includes a pre-surgery preparation program, spending the minimal time necessary in hospital, as well as home rehabilitation if necessary.
