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Chronic knee pain can be debilitating, limiting mobility and significantly affecting daily life. Whether it’s due to arthritis, injury, or long-term wear and tear, one of the most effective solutions for advanced knee joint damage is Total Knee Replacement Surgery (TKR), also known as Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA).
This comprehensive guide will help you understand everything about TKR, from types of knee replacement surgeries and who needs them to the total knee replacement procedure, potential complications, recovery timeline, and more.
At Manipal Hospitals Jaipur, our orthopaedic team is committed to providing personalised treatment plans to ensure safe surgery and long-term relief from knee pain.
Synopsis
What is Total Knee Replacement Surgery?
Total knee replacement surgery involves removing the damaged or diseased parts of the knee joint and replacing them with artificial implants that closely mimic natural bone and cartilage. It is performed to relieve persistent knee pain and restore mobility in patients whose joint damage has progressed beyond the scope of non-surgical treatment.
How the Procedure Works
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The surgeon removes the damaged cartilage and bone from the femur (thigh bone) and tibia (shin bone).
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These are replaced with metal components shaped to fit the natural joint.
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A medical-grade plastic spacer is inserted between the metal parts to ensure smooth, gliding movement.
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In some cases, the patella (kneecap) may also be resurfaced with a plastic component.
TKR is a major surgical procedure performed under general or spinal anesthesia, typically requiring a few days of hospitalisation. Post-surgery, physical therapy and rehabilitation are essential to regain strength, flexibility, and confidence in the new joint.
Types of Knee Replacement Surgeries
Depending on the extent of damage and individual patient needs, there are different approaches to knee replacement:
1. Total Knee Replacement (TKR)
The entire knee joint is replaced. This is the most common and widely performed procedure.
2. Partial Knee Replacement
Only the affected compartment of the knee is replaced. It's suitable for patients with damage limited to one part of the joint.
3. Revision Knee Replacement
A second surgery is done to replace a failed or worn-out knee implant from an earlier procedure.
4. Bilateral Knee Replacement
Both knees are replaced simultaneously or in a staged manner, depending on patient fitness and preference.
Why Is It Done?
Indications for total knee replacement include:
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To reduce chronic pain that persists despite medications and physiotherapy.
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To improve joint stability and prevent buckling.
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To enhance mobility, allowing individuals to walk, climb stairs, and carry out everyday tasks.
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To elevate the quality of life, especially when pain restricts sleep and independence.
Who Needs a TKR?
A variety of conditions and patient profiles can make someone a good candidate for TKR:
Advanced Age
Patients over 60 often experience age-related wear of the joint and seek TKR to restore movement and reduce pain.
Sports Injuries
Athletes may sustain injuries that severely damage knee cartilage or bone, making total knee replacement surgery necessary.
Trauma
Post-accident trauma to the knee that cannot be treated with conservative measures may require joint replacement.
Congenital or Post-Surgical Cases
People born with malformed joints or those recovering from failed earlier surgeries may undergo TKR to regain function and appearance.
TKR is considered only after non-surgical treatments such as medications, injections, weight loss, and physiotherapy have failed. Patients are carefully evaluated for their age, BMI, lifestyle, and overall health before being recommended the surgery.
Pre-Surgery Preparation Tips
Proper preparation can improve surgical outcomes and recovery:
1. Medical Evaluation
Blood tests, X-rays, MRI scans, and ECGs may be required to assess overall health and joint damage.
2. Medication Adjustments
Blood thinners and certain chronic medications may need to be paused or adjusted pre-surgery.
3. Diet and Exercise
Patients are advised to follow a healthy diet and practise light strengthening exercises to build muscle around the knee.
4. Stop Smoking & Limit Alcohol
These habits can delay healing and increase the risk of total knee replacement complications.
5. Home Modifications
Prepare your home for post-surgery movement: remove tripping hazards, install handrails, and arrange a ground-floor resting area if possible.
Risks and Total Knee Replacement Complications
While the success rate of TKR is high, some risks remain, like with any major surgery:
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Blood clots (deep vein thrombosis) in the leg veins.
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Infection around the wound or the implant site.
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Implant loosening or wear over time.
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Nerve injury, leading to numbness or weakness.
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Stiffness or reduced range of motion if physiotherapy isn’t followed properly.
At Manipal Hospitals Jaipur, state-of-the-art facilities, infection control protocols, and expert orthopedic surgeons ensure that such risks are minimised to the greatest extent.
Knee Replacement Recovery Timeline
Recovery doesn’t end at surgery, it’s a progressive journey that involves rest, physiotherapy, and activity modifications.
Week 1-2
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Hospital stay of 3–5 days.
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Walking begins with support.
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Pain control and initial physiotherapy.
Weeks 2–6:
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Transition to walking unaided.
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Light exercises and stair climbing resume.
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Outpatient physiotherapy.
Weeks 6–12:
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Return to driving or light work.
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Improvement in strength and joint flexibility.
3–6 Months:
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Return to most normal activities, including moderate exercise and travel.
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Full recovery can take 6–12 months, but most patients experience a major reduction in pain and improved mobility within 3 months.
Total knee replacement surgery is a transformative procedure that helps patients reclaim their mobility and quality of life. With advancements in surgical techniques and recovery protocols, more people are returning to active lifestyles pain-free.
Conclusion
At Manipal Hospitals Jaipur, we offer expert orthopaedic care with state-of-the-art facilities, compassionate nursing, and world-class post-surgical rehabilitation. If knee pain is limiting your life, it might be time to take a step forward literally. Book an appointment with an expert today!
FAQ's
Most implants last 15–20 years with good care. In younger or very active patients, wear may occur sooner.
Alternatives include medications, lifestyle changes, physiotherapy, joint injections, or arthroscopy, but these may offer only temporary relief.
Bring loose-fitting clothes, slippers, your medications, medical history reports, toiletries, and any mobility aids recommended by your doctor.
Yes. Partial knee replacement replaces only one part of the joint and is less invasive. Total knee replacement addresses the entire knee joint.
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