Total knee replacement (TKR): the path to pain-free movement. By Dr. Vivek Logani

Knee Implants

Introduction

Total knee replacement (TKR) is a revolutionary surgical procedure designed to relieve chronic knee pain and restore function. It is generally recommended for patients with knee joint damage from osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or post-traumatic arthritis. By replacing the damaged knee surface with a prosthetic component, TKR helps patients regain mobility and improve their quality of life.

Indications for Total Knee Replacement (TKR):

TKR may be recommended for individuals whose:

  • Knee pain and stiffness are still severe.
  • Limited mobility which affects daily activities such as walking or climbing stairs
  • Orthodox treatments, such as medications, physical therapy, and injections, do not provide relief from symptoms.

Procedure Overview: Total knee replacement surgery involves the following important steps:

Total Knee Replacement
  • Anesthesia: The patient will receive general or regional anesthesia.
  • Tap: A precise cut is made above the knee to access the joint.
  • Bone regeneration: Damaged bone and cartilage are removed from the femur. (thigh bone) shin bone (shin bone) and possibly the patella (knee bone).
  • Implant placement: The prosthetic components are positioned to recreate the natural function of the knee joint.
  • Closure: The incision is closed, and the knee is generally placed in a brace or cast for protection during recovery.

Types of Implants in TKR:

The type of implants used in TKR depends on factors such as the patient’s anatomy, age, and activity. The following are the main types of knee implants:

1) Fixed bearing implants:

  • Description: Most commonly used type. It has a fixed bearing surface attached to the tibial component.
  • Advantages: Provides excellent stability and is suitable for most patients.
  • Thoughts: It can wear out over time. This is especially true of younger, more active people.
Mobile-Bearing Implants

2) Mobile-Bearing Implants:

  • Description: Features polyethylene inserts for more natural movement.
  • Advantages: Designed to reduce wear on bearing surfaces. This may increase the life of the implant.
  • Considerations: Careful surgical technique is required and there may be a high risk of distraction.

3) Cruciate-Retaining Implants:

  • Description: Preserves the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), enhancing the natural stability of the knee joint.
  • Benefits: PCL placement can improve knee self-sensing and function.
  • Considerations: Not suitable for patients with severe PCL injuries.
Cruciate Retaining Implants
Cruciate-Substituting Implants

4) Cruciate-Substituting Implants:

  • Description: Designed for cases where the PCL is damaged or missing.
  • Benefits: Helps patients with osteoarthritis of the knee-tendon to have more stability.
  • Considerations: Slight differences may be felt during movement due to changes in knee mechanics.

5) Partial knee implants:

  • Description: Replace only the damaged part of the knee. By leaving healthy bone tissue intact.
  • The benefit is that it is minimally invasive. recover faster and the function of the knee joint is more natural
  • Attention: Suitable only for patients with arthritis or local injury.
Partial Knee Replacement
Custom Implants

6) Custom implants:

  • Description: Designed to fit the patient’s specific anatomy using 3D imaging and printing technology.
  • Advantages: Provides precise alignment and improved results.
  • Considerations: Detailed pre-surgery planning is required and is usually more expensive.

Conclusion Total Knee Replacement

Conclusion

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