Total Knee Replacement

Total knee replacement (TKR) is an orthopedic surgical procedure in which the articular surface of the knee, the condyles of the femur and the plateau of the tibia are replaced. In 50% of cases, the patella is also replaced. Patella reconstruction aims to restore the extensor mechanism. It depends on the amount of bone loss and the type of patellar prosthesis that is placed. The main clinical reason for surgery is osteoarthritis to reduce an individual's pain and increase function. Other reasons may be trauma or other rare destructive diseases of the joint. Regardless of the cause of the joint damage, the resulting increasing pain and stiffness and decreasing daily function lead the patient to consider total knee replacement. The decision whether and when to undergo knee replacement surgery is usually not an easy one for the patient.

Implants are made of metal alloys, ceramic material, or solid plastic parts, with a total replacement of the knee joint, up to three bone surfaces can be replaced.

• The lower end of the femur.

• The upper surface of the tibia.

• Surface of patella.

Current implant designs recognize the complexity of the joint and mimic the motion of a normal knee. Some implant designs preserve the patient's ligaments, while others replace them. Knee implants are made by several manufacturers and there are more than 150 designs on the market today.

The main reason for postponing knee replacement can be summed up in the word "fear". Fear of the unknown. Fear of pain. Fear of healing. Fear of being vulnerable. For some, this fear can be crippling and cause more stress and anxiety in the months, weeks and days leading up to the procedure. Joint replacement candidates are often unaware that this unbridled fear or anxiety can affect the outcome of the surgery. Studies have shown that patients go for surgery.

We need to make patients believe that they will go through joint replacement and live a richer life because of it. Training the mind to stay in the present moment and not wander into anxiety and fear-driven thoughts will keep anxiety and stress at bay. Practicing mindfulness can improve the way a person interprets and overcomes negative experiences.

Quacks in the field of medical lines are very common. So one has to watch out for charlatans who are diploma holders or some technicians. They do not know ethics and principles and do not have the appropriate knowledge.

And in the case of TKR, they make it even worse. Improper exercise, delaying treatment and late mobilization of all these activities puts the patient in trouble.

Therefore, to achieve the best results after surgery, you must always consult an experienced physical therapist before and after surgery.

Myth: Knee replacement surgery should wait as long as possible.

Fact: This is incorrect. It is not necessary to wait for surgery until the pain becomes unbearable. But the longer life of the joint replacement makes it possible to consider surgery even at a younger age. Unnecessary waiting for surgery and delaying it is more difficult for the operator, and over time Detroiter causes the patient's health and increases complications.

Myth: Alternative therapies such as acupressure, ozone therapy, massage beds, oils, laser therapy, and braces will cure advanced arthritis and knee pain.

Fact: There is no proven permanent non-surgical cure for advanced knee arthritis. These methods provide temporary relief for mild to moderate arthritis for a period of time and are not curative.

Myth: Knee replacement is a very painful operation. There is a lot of pain in the postoperative period.

Fact: Modern pain management, such as the multimodal approach, ensures that the patient feels no pain during or after surgery.

Myth: You have to give up some activities and sports after knee replacement.

Fact: Patients are likely to return to activities such as brisk walking or cycling in 6 to 12 weeks, but it is best to avoid contact games.

Myth: Recovery from knee replacement takes months.