Total Knee Replacement
Who is this operation for?
The most common reason for a Total Knee Replacement is severe pain and dysfunction caused by knee arthritis.
There are many types of arthritis but by far the most common type of arthritis that benefits from a Total Knee Replacement is Osteoarthritis, followed by Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Osteoarthritis is a wear and tear process that happens with aging but can also occur after an injury to the knee joint.
If you are considering total knee replacement surgery, you should have first tried non-surgical methods to help you with your knee pain. These include:
- pain medications
- using a walking stick or other walking aid
- exercises to maintain the movement and stength of the knee and the muscles around the knee
- maintaining a healthy weight or loosing weight if necessary
- some people gain benefit from using a knee brace
Your surgeon may suggest that you have a knee replacement if you have:
- Severe pain. A knee replacement is a big operation and should only be considered if the pain in your knee is severe. For example, your pain should make it difficult to walk, climb stairs and perform your activities at home.
- Severe dysfunction. Your knee pain should be affecting your mobility and often causes stiffness and prevent you from fully bending or straightening your knee.
- Tried other ways of controlling your pain. You've tried other methods to improve symptoms, for example, resting, weight loss, physiotherapy, a cane or other walking aid, medications and knee braces, but they've failed.
- Be Old enough. It is best to perform a knee replacement when your older, for example over 60. This is because knee replacements can wear out and eventually fail. Total knee replacements often last over 15 - 20 years, so ideally, you have a total knee replacement that will last the rest of your life. If you are younger, your surgeon may suggest other operations such as:
- knee arthroscopy,
- knee straigthening / realigning procedures called osteotomies
- partial knee replacements
- Also, young physically active people are much more likely to prematurely wear out the Total knee replacement.
- Be Fit Enough for the Operation. A knee replacement is major surgery and can put alot of strain on your body. If you have conditions such as blocked arteries, diabetes, or are extremely obese, you have a increased risk of complications. There are some people who are not fit enough to have a knee replacement.
What are the benefits of the operation?
A knee replacement can dramatically reduce the pain caused by arthritis and get you walking and bending your knee again.
A knee replacement may not remove all your pain or fully restore your knee movement, and it will not make your knee 'brand new' again. But it will considerably reduce your pain.
Risks of not having the surgery
Knee replacement is elective surgery, so should be considered carefully after considering the operation, it's pros and cons and the alternatives. However, knee arthritis is a progressive disorder and the pain can be become so severe that it stops you performing everyday activities such as walking, climbing stairs, showering, gardening and shopping. You may no longer be independent and look after yourself.