Knee problems can be caused by a variety of factors including injury, overuse, and degenerative conditions such as arthritis. Common knee injuries include tears to the ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) or meniscus, fractures, and bursitis (inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs that cushion the joint). Arthritis, which is characterized by the wearing down of the cartilage that protects the knee joint, can also cause knee pain and stiffness. Other conditions like gout, tendinitis, and osteoporosis can also lead to knee problems. It’s important to receive a proper diagnosis and personalized treatment plan from an orthopedic specialist to address knee issues.

Here is a list of common conditions that may lead to the need for knee replacement surgery:

• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Post-traumatic arthritis
• Avascular necrosis
• Osteoporosis-related fractures
• Chronic knee pain and instability
• Degenerative joint disease

These conditions can cause severe knee pain and limit mobility, making knee replacement surgery necessary for some individuals. It’s important to consult an orthopedic surgeon for a proper diagnosis and personalized treatment plan.

• Pain: Aching or burning pain in the knee joint, especially during weight-bearing activities such as walking or climbing stairs.
• Stiffness: Difficulty bending or straightening the knee, especially after periods of inactivity.
• Swelling: The knee may be swollen and tender.
• Reduced mobility: Difficulty moving the knee joint, including walking, climbing stairs or standing for long periods.
• Crepitus: A cracking or grinding noise when you move your knee.
• Instability: A feeling that the knee could “give way”.

Total knee replacement (TKR) is a surgical procedure that replaces a damaged knee joint with an artificial joint made of metal and plastic components. The goals of TKR are to relieve pain, improve joint function and mobility, and correct knee deformities.

Knee replacement surgery, also known as total knee arthroplasty, is typically recommended for individuals who have severe knee pain and stiffness caused by arthritis or other conditions that have not responded to non-surgical treatments. The surgery may also be necessary for individuals who have experienced a knee injury or have a knee deformity that affects their mobility and quality of life. The decision to have knee replacement surgery is usually made after a comprehensive evaluation by an orthopedic surgeon and after considering factors such as the severity of pain, degree of joint damage, and overall health and activity level of the individual.

Patients should consider total knee replacement surgery when non-surgical treatments such as physical therapy, pain medication, and lifestyle changes no longer provide adequate relief from knee pain and stiffness caused by severe osteoarthritis of the knee, rheumatoid arthritis, or other knee joint conditions. In addition, TKR may be considered if the knee deformity is significantly affecting the patient’s quality of life and mobility. The decision to have a TKR is usually made in consultation with an orthopaedic surgeon.

Yes, you can have a total knee replacement if you are obese. However, being overweight or obese can increase your risk of certain complications associated with knee replacement surgery, such as infection, blood clots, and longer recovery time. It can also put extra stress on the artificial joint, which can lead to loosening or failure of the implant.

If you are considering TKR and are overweight or obese, it is important to discuss the potential risks and benefits of the procedure with your orthopaedic surgeon. Your surgeon may recommend that you lose weight before surgery to minimise the risks and improve the results of the procedure. In some cases, bariatric surgery may be recommended before TKR to help you reach a healthy weight.

During knee replacement surgery, the damaged knee joint is exposed and the end of the thigh bone (femur) and the top of the shin bone (tibia) are reshaped to fit the artificial joint components. The damaged knee joint is then removed and the metal and plastic components of the artificial joint are attached to the bones using a special cement or a press-fit method. The knee replacement components typically consist of a metal plate for the femur, a metal box for the tibia, and a plastic spacer between them. The procedure usually takes 1-2 hours and is performed under general anaesthetic. After the operation, the knee is usually wrapped in a bandage and a drain may be placed to remove excess fluid. You will usually stay in hospital for 3-5 days after the operation.

The typical length of stay in hospital after a total knee replacement is 3-5 days. During this time, the patient receives pain management and rehabilitation therapy, and is monitored for any complications. The length of hospital stay may vary depending on the patient’s overall health, the type of TKR procedure performed, and the patient’s response to the surgery.

After discharge from hospital, most patients will continue to receive rehabilitation therapy and will be monitored by their orthopaedic surgeon to ensure a successful recovery. The patient can expect to need physiotherapy for several weeks to months after surgery to regain strength and range of motion in the knee. The length of recovery can vary greatly from person to person, but most people can return to normal daily activities within 2-6 months of surgery.

• Day 1: You should be able to stand using a walking aid.
• 2-5 days: You will be able to leave the hospital.
• 1 week: You should be able to walk independently with crutches.
• 4-6 weeks: You may be able to drive (check with your car insurance company).
• 6 weeks: You should be able to walk without crutches.
• 3 months to 1 year: You should have full recovery as scar tissue is healed and muscles are restored by exercise.
• 2 years: You should be usually free from pain and swelling.

Note: This timeline is an estimate and can vary based on individual factors such as age, overall health, and rehabilitation progress. It’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions and attend physical therapy as prescribed to achieve the best outcome.

After a total knee replacement, most people can participate in low-impact activities such as walking, golf and swimming, but high-impact activities such as running, jumping and contact sports are generally not recommended. The decision to participate in sports after TKR depends on several factors, including the patient’s age, general health, and physical condition.

It is important to discuss your activity level and exercise goals with your orthopaedic surgeon before surgery and to follow the surgeon’s postoperative recommendations for rehabilitation and physical activity. In some cases, it may be recommended that certain activities be avoided or modified to minimise stress on the artificial joint.

It’s important to listen to your body and not push yourself too hard, especially in the early stages of recovery from TKR. Gradually increasing physical activity and avoiding high-impact activities can help extend the life of the prosthesis and minimise the risk of complications.

• Infection: There is a risk of infection with any surgical procedure, although it is rare after TKR.
• Blood clots: Blood clots can form in the leg veins after TKR and can be life-threatening if they travel to the lungs.
• Nerve or blood vessel injury: There is a risk of nerve and blood vessel injury in the knee area during surgery.
• Loosening: The artificial joint components may loosen over time and require revision surgery.
• Implant failure: The artificial joint may wear out or break, requiring additional surgery.
• Pain: Pain or discomfort in the knee after TKR may persist and require additional treatment.
• Stiffness: The knee can become stiff after TKR, limiting the patient’s range of motion.

It’s important to discuss the potential risks and benefits of TKR with a qualified orthopedic surgeon before making a decision to undergo the procedure.