What is a total knee replacement?

Total knee replacement otherwise known as total knee arthroplasty is a common surgery perform when the bony surfaces of the knee joint are worn out or damaged.  The main reason why patients require a total knee replacement is the presence of osteoarthritis. Due to pain, and lack of protective cartilage the knee lacks the ability to absorb shock well. These are replaced with an artificial joint.
 

The Knee Joint

The knee joint is made up of the femur (thigh bone) and tibia (shin bone) and the patella (knee cap) slides over them in a nice groove. We have shock absorbers between these bones called menisci which help cushion and protect the cartilage at the end of the bone.
 

Clinical Indications

• Pain is the most common symptom reported – it can be throughout the whole knee joint or specific to a location in the joint

  • Can be immediate when initiating movement, after a rest, and it can even affect sleep at night

  • Find it hard relieve pain with any medications

• Range of motion can reduce, feeling of stiffness within the knee limiting activities of daily living

• Inflammation and swelling

• Other: overweight, lower limb bow leg deformity, previous injuries/fractures, repetitive use
   

Aim:

• achieve pain free range of motion, with full functionality of the joint