Total Knee Replacement

"EVERYTHING SHOULD BE MADE AS SIMPLE AS POSSIBLE, BUT NO SIMPLER."

- ALBERT EINSTEIN

Some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about Total Knee Replacement (TKR) surgery:

1. Is it the right time to undergo a knee replacement? 

The main reason to have it done is pain, but if you have tried all other forms of non-operative treatment including lifestyle remedies, anti-inflammatory medication, physical therapy, and injections it may be time to think about surgery.

2. Can I avoid surgery? 

Before you consider surgery, your doctor will usually encourage you to try various non-surgical treatments. However, if the symptoms become worse and start to affect your quality of life, surgery may be the best option.

3. What happens during surgery, and how long does it take? 

The surgeon will make an incision over the front of your knee to expose the damaged area of your joint. Most knee replacement procedures take 60 to 90 minutes to complete.

4. What is an artificial knee, and how does it stay in place? 

Artificial knee implants consist of metal and medical-grade plastic called polyethylene. There are two ways of attaching the components to the bone.

5. How should I proceed for Knee Replacement? 

After deciding a date of admission and surgery, usually about 7 or 10 days prior to admission, some Blood and Urine tests and a medical checkup by Physician are advised.

6. What kind of anaesthesia would be used for operation? 

Two types of Anesthesia are commonly used for Knee Replacement Surgery. The First type of anesthesia is Spinal Anesthesia with Epidural Analgesia.

7. Would I require a blood transfusion during or after the operation? 

This will depend on your level of Haemoglobin before surgery. With use of tourniquet, blood loss during surgery is usually minimal.