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Total Knee Replacement Surgery
What It Is, Who It’s For, and the Recovery Process
Total knee replacement surgery is a surgical method applied when cartilage damage and joint wear in the knee joint reach an advanced stage. It is primarily used to treat damage to the knee joint caused by joint diseases such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or serious trauma. This surgery aims to reduce pain, increase mobility, and improve the quality of life for patients.
What Is a Total Knee Replacement?
Total knee replacement involves replacing the damaged surfaces of the knee joint with prostheses made of metal and plastic. During the surgery, damaged cartilage and bone tissues are removed, and prosthetic components are placed in their place. The purpose of this prosthesis is to restore natural movement to the knee joint.
Who Is It For?
Total knee replacement surgery is generally recommended in the following situations:
Advanced Osteoarthritis: When the cartilage covering the knee joint is worn down, causing severe knee pain.
Rheumatoid Arthritis: An inflammatory joint disease that occurs when the immune system attacks joint tissues.
Post-Traumatic Joint Damage: Damage to the knee joint following serious injuries or fractures.
Chronic Knee Pain and Restricted Movement: For patients who experience long-term knee pain and functional loss that cannot be relieved by other treatment methods.
How Is Total Knee Replacement Surgery Performed?
The surgery is performed under general or spinal anesthesia. The surgeon makes an incision in the knee joint to remove the damaged joint surfaces. Then, prosthetic components made of metal and plastic are placed on the bone surfaces. These prosthetics are specially designed to provide joint lubrication and mimic the knee’s natural movement. The surgery generally takes 1-2 hours, and patients usually stay in the hospital for a few days.
Recovery Process
The recovery process after surgery may vary depending on the patient’s age, general health, and the specifics of the surgery. In general, the recovery process includes the following stages:
1.Physical Therapy: Regular physical therapy sessions are conducted after surgery to increase knee joint mobility and strengthen the muscles. Early mobilization is critical to ensuring the prosthesis is properly positioned.
2.Pain Management: Pain is controlled with painkillers during the post-operative period. Cold compresses may also be applied to the knee to reduce swelling.
3.Full Recovery: Patients typically start walking unassisted within the first few weeks after surgery. However, complete recovery and full functionality of the prosthesis can take between 6 months and 1 year.
Advantages of Total Knee Replacement
Total knee replacement surgery significantly improves patients’ quality of life. Its main advantages include:
Pain Reduction: Knee pain is greatly reduced as joint damage is addressed.
Better Mobility: After surgery, patients can walk more comfortably and return to daily activities.
Long-Term Solution: With proper care, total knee prostheses can last for 15-20 years without problems.
Associate Professors Dr. Serhat Mutlu and Dr. Harun Mutlu are orthopedic surgeons specializing in knee replacement surgeries. Both doctors aim to improve the quality of life for their patients by using modern and most effective surgical techniques in treating knee joint diseases.
Conclusion
Total knee replacement surgery is a successful surgical method for treating serious damage to the knee joint. If knee pain is affecting your quality of life and other treatment methods have not been effective, you can consult Associate Professors Dr. Serhat Mutlu and Dr. Harun Mutlu to learn more about total knee replacement surgery.