Total Knee Replacement: Causes, Signs, Symptoms And Treatments

Knee pain can be a debilitating condition that affects your quality of life. If you've tried medication, physical therapy, and other treatments with no success, your doctor may recommend total knee replacement surgery. Here you’ll have everything you need to know about total knee replacement, from the reasons it's used to the symptoms, signs, and treatment procedures involved.

Total Knee Replacement Causes

Total knee replacement surgery is typically recommended for patients who are suffering from chronic knee pain and stiffness that's affecting their quality of life. Some common reasons why a doctor might recommend this procedure include:

• Osteoarthritis

This is the most common reason for total knee replacement surgery. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that causes the cartilage in the knee joint to wear down, leading to pain, stiffness, and limited mobility.

• Rheumatoid Arthritis

This is an inflammatory joint disease that can cause pain, swelling, and stiffness in the knee joint.

• Trauma

If you've suffered a knee injury, such as a fracture or dislocation, total knee replacement surgery may be necessary to repair the damage.

Symptoms of Total Knee Replacement

The symptoms of knee conditions that require total knee replacement surgery can vary widely depending on the specific condition. However, some common total knee replacement symptoms that might indicate the need for total knee replacement surgery include:

• Pain

You may experience pain in your knee when you're walking, standing, or even sitting.

• Stiffness

Your knee may feel stiff and difficult to move.

• Swelling

You may notice swelling around your knee joint.

• Limited Mobility

You may find it difficult to bend or straighten your knee.

If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's important to speak to your doctor at the best orthopaedic hospital to determine whether total knee replacement surgery might be a viable treatment option.

Signs of Total Knee Replacement

In addition to symptoms, there are also some signs that might indicate the need for total knee replacement surgery. For example, if you have a knee condition that requires surgery, your doctor may recommend total knee replacement surgery if:

• You're at high risk for complications

If you have other health issues that could complicate surgery, such as heart disease, your doctor may recommend total knee replacement surgery because it's a less invasive procedure than traditional surgery.

• You've tried other treatments without success

If you've tried medication, physical therapy, and other treatments with no success, your doctor may recommend total knee replacement surgery as a last resort.

Treatment Procedure of Total Knee Replacement

The treatment procedure for total knee replacement surgery can be broken down into three phases: pre-surgery, during surgery, and post-surgery.

Pre-surgery

• Before the surgery, you'll undergo a thorough medical evaluation to ensure that you're healthy enough to undergo the procedure. This evaluation may include blood tests, imaging tests, and other diagnostic procedures.

• You may also need to make some lifestyle changes before the surgery. For example, you may be advised to stop smoking and to lose weight to reduce your risk of complications during and after the surgery.

During Surgery

• During the surgery, you'll be placed under general anesthesia to ensure that you're comfortable and pain-free throughout the procedure. The surgeon will then make an incision in your knee and remove the damaged cartilage and bone. They'll then replace it with an artificial joint made of metal and plastic.

• The surgery typically takes between one and a half to three hours to complete. After the surgery, you'll be moved to a recovery room to wake up from the anesthesia.

Post-surgery

• After the surgery, you'll need to stay in the hospital for a few days to ensure that there are no complications. You may also be prescribed pain medication and other medications to manage any discomfort you may be experiencing.

• You'll also need to undergo physical therapy to help you regain your strength and mobility. This may include exercises to improve your range of motion and strength, as well as walking and other activities to help you gradually return to your normal activities.

Duration of Total Knee Replacement

The duration of total knee replacement surgery typically depends on the specific procedure being performed. However, in general, the surgery takes between one and a half to three hours to complete. Recovery time can vary depending on your age, overall health, and the extent of the surgery. However, most patients are able to return to their normal activities within six to twelve weeks after the surgery. Book an appointment now to get the finest treatment with the help of our team of orthopaedic doctors. 

If Ignored

If a knee condition that requires total knee replacement surgery is ignored, it can lead to a range of complications. For example, if you're experiencing chronic knee pain and don't undergo surgery to repair or replace the affected joint, you may experience ongoing pain and difficulty walking.

Additionally, if you have a cancerous tumor that isn't removed through surgery, the cancer may continue to spread and become more difficult to treat.

Total knee replacement surgery can be a highly effective treatment option for chronic knee pain and stiffness. If you're experiencing symptoms or signs that might indicate the need for this procedure, it's important to speak to your doctor about whether it might be a viable treatment option for you. By undergoing total knee replacement surgery, you can potentially improve your quality of life and reduce the risk of complications associated with knee conditions.