What is Total Knee Replacement Surgery?
Total Knee Replacement (TKR), also known as knee arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure where a damaged knee joint is replaced with an artificial joint (prosthesis). It's usually done to relieve severe pain and restore function in patients with:
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Post-traumatic arthritis
- Knee deformity or injury
Why is it Done?
- Chronic knee pain
- Difficulty walking, climbing stairs, or sitting
- Swelling or stiffness that limits everyday activities
- Severe arthritis unresponsive to medications or physical therapy
Frequently Asked Questions
Total Knee Replacement is a surgical procedure where damaged parts of the knee joint are removed and replaced with artificial components (prosthetics). It is done to reduce pain and improve mobility for people suffering from severe arthritis or knee injuries.
Patients who experience chronic knee pain, stiffness, or swelling that limits daily activities — and haven't found relief through medication, exercise, or physical therapy — are usually good candidates for this surgery. Most often, it's recommended for people with advanced arthritis.
Recovery varies by person, but generally:
- Hospital stay: 2-3 days.
- Walking with support: within 24-48 hours.
- Physical therapy: 6-12 weeks.
- Full recovery: about 3-6 months for most patients to regain strength and flexibility.
Total Knee Replacement is a safe and well-practiced procedure. Complications are rare, and with expert surgical care and proper rehabilitation, most patients enjoy reduced pain, improved mobility, and a better quality of life.