Total Knee Replacement (TKR), also called knee replacement surgery, is a procedure in which damaged parts of the knee joint are replaced with artificial metal and plastic parts.

Overview

What Is Total Knee Replacement?

Total Knee Replacement (TKR), also called knee replacement surgery, is a procedure in which damaged parts of the knee joint are replaced with artificial metal and plastic parts.

TKR is commonly advised for severe arthritis or knee damage caused by:

• Osteoarthritis (wear-and-tear arthritis)
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Old injury or fracture

Doctors may recommend surgery when:

• Knee pain affects daily activities
• Walking or climbing stairs becomes difficult
• Medicines, injections or physiotherapy no longer help
• Pain continues even during rest

The aim of surgery is to reduce pain, improve movement and help patients return to daily life.

The Procedure

Before Surgery

Before the operation, the doctor may:

• Examine the knee and review X-rays
• Order blood and heart tests
• Review current medicines
• Advise stopping certain medicines such as blood thinners

Patients are usually advised to:

• Stop smoking
• Manage weight
• Avoid eating or drinking for several hours before surgery
• Arrange support at home after discharge

Type of Anaesthesia

TKR is usually performed under:

• General anaesthesia (patient sleeps), or
• Spinal/epidural anaesthesia (lower body becomes numb)

The anaesthesia team chooses the safest option based on the patient’s condition.

Step-by-Step Overview

1. Preparing the Knee: The surgeon makes a cut over the knee to reach the damaged joint.

2. Removing Damaged Areas: Worn-out cartilage and damaged bone are removed from the knee surfaces.

3. Placing the Artificial Joint: Artificial metal and plastic parts are fixed to the bones to create a smooth joint surface.

4. Closing the Cut: The cut is closed with stitches or clips and covered with a dressing.

The surgery usually takes about 1–2 hours.

During Hospital Stay

After surgery:

• Blood pressure, pulse, and pain are monitored
• Pain-relief and blood-thinning medicines may be given
• Walking usually starts within 1–2 days with physiotherapy support

Most patients stay in the hospital for 1–3 days.

Benefits and Outcomes

Most patients experience:

• Reduced knee pain
• Better walking ability
• Improved movement and daily comfort

Knee replacement is considered a successful surgery, and many artificial knees last for years.

Patients are usually able to return to low-impact activities such as:

• Walking
• Climbing stairs
• Swimming
• Cycling

High-impact activities like running and jumping are generally avoided.

Risks and Complications

Common Risks

Possible complications include:

• Pain and swelling
• Blood clots
• Infection
• Knee stiffness

Rare but Serious Risks

Rare complications may include:

• Blood clot in lungs
• Nerve injury
• Implant loosening over time

Recovery Timeline

First Few Weeks

Patients begin walking early with support. Swelling and warmth around the knee are common. Physiotherapy is important for recovery.

Around 4–6 Weeks

Many patients can walk more comfortably and return to some daily activities.

Long-Term Recovery

Recovery continues for several months, and strength gradually improves.

Wound Care and Precautions

Patients should:

• Take medicines as advised
• Continue exercises regularly
• Avoid falls and injuries

Avoid:

• Sudden twisting movements
• High-impact sports
• Ignoring signs of infection

Lifestyle and Long-Term Care

Healthy habits can improve long-term results:

• Eat a balanced diet
• Stay physically active
• Continue low-impact exercises such as walking, cycling or swimming

When to Contact a Doctor

Contact the doctor immediately if there is:

• Fever
• Pus from the wound
• Severe redness and swelling
• Severe calf pain
• Sudden chest pain
• Difficulty breathing

Regular follow-up visits help monitor healing and the artificial joint.

Myths and Facts

FAQs