Total Knee Replacement (TKR) — also called Total Knee Arthroplasty — is a surgical procedure in which the entire knee joint is replaced with artificial components (prostheses) made of metal, plastic, and/or ceramic. It is most commonly performed for end-stage osteoarthritis, but also for rheumatoid arthritis, post-traumatic arthritis, or severe joint deformity. 🦵 What Happens in Total Knee Replacement? The surgeon removes damaged cartilage and bone from the: Femur (thigh bone) Tibia (shin bone) Under the patella (kneecap) if necessary Then, they replace these surfaces with: A metal cap on the femur A metal and plastic tray on the tibia A plastic button on the back of the kneecap (optional) ✅ Indications (When TKR Is Recommended) You may be a candidate if you have: Severe knee pain affecting daily activities (walking, stairs, standing) Stiffness or deformity in the knee No relief from conservative treatments (physical therapy, injections, medications) Advanced arthritis confirmed by imaging ⚙️ Procedure Details Anesthesia: Spinal, epidural, or general Surgical time: 1–2 hours Hospital stay: 1–3 days (some centers offer same-day discharge) ⏳ Recovery Timeline Activity Timeline Walking with aid Day 1–2 post-op Walking independently 2–4 weeks Return to desk job 4–6 weeks Return to physical job 3–6 months Full recovery 4–6 months (can take up to 1 year for full strength) 🏋️‍♂️ Rehab & Physical Therapy Critical to success of TKR: Start same day or next day after surgery Focus on regaining range of motion, strength, and walking ability Most patients regain full extension and 120–130° of flexion 🎯 Benefits Drastically reduced or eliminated pain Improved mobility and function Corrected knee alignment High satisfaction rate (~90–95%) ⚠️ Risks and Complications While generally safe, TKR can have complications: Blood clots (DVT/PE) Infection Implant loosening or failure Stiffness or limited range of motion Nerve or vessel injury Continued pain or need for revision 🔁 Implant Longevity 15–20+ years in most cases Advances in implant design and surgical techniques continue to improve durability 🤔 Total vs Partial Knee Replacement Feature Total Knee Partial Knee Affected Area Entire knee joint One compartment Recovery Time 3–6+ months 1–3 months Suitability Widespread arthritis Localized arthritis Longevity 15–20+ years 10–15 years Feel May feel artificial Feels more natural