Total Knee Replacement

 

What Is A Total Knee Replacement?

 

A total knee replacement (TKR) is a resurfacing operation of the knee.  The damaged joint lining is removed and replaced with a metal or plastic bearing surface.  The deep surface of the knee cap is also often replaced. The soft tissues around the knee are not replaced.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Who Benefits From A Total Knee Replacement?

 

TKR benefits patients with arthritis of the knee joint who have failed non surgical treatment.  The most common types of knee arthritis are osteoarthritis and post traumatic arthritis. The main indication for a knee replacement is pain.

 

There are no absolute age restrictions for knee replacement however it is usually not recommended for those under 60 unless symptoms are extreme.   The reason for delaying knee replacement surgery to older age is that the knee replacement has a limited life span.

 

Patients must be fit enough to undergo a major operation while active infection precludes a knee replacement.

 

 

 

 

 

 

What Is Involved For The Patient?

 

• Usually two to three nights in hospital
  
  
• A spinal or general anaesthetic (either way you wont hear or see anything)
  
  
• The operation takes 70 - 100 minutes
  
  
• One long incision down the middle of the knee
• Fully weight bearing after surgery
  
  
• Crutches for three to six weeks
  
  
• No driving until off crutches

 

 

 

What Is The Recovery Period?

 

The first three months are hard work, with physiotherapy input to regain knee motion and strength. By three months two thirds of working patients have returned to some level of work.  Typically patients are much better by 4 months after surgery. Full recovery takes 12 months.

 

 

 

What Is The Success Rate Of A Total Knee Replacement?

 

Approximately 8 out of 10 patients who have a knee replacement are satisfied.

 

• 80% of patients experience significant pain relief
  
  
• 50% can walk more than one block
  
  
• Most patients can bend the new knee to at least 90 degrees
  
  
• Patients can return to low impact sports like bowls and golf
  
  
• The operation is excellent for return to swimming and cycling
  
  
• It is less effective for crouching, kneeling and thus activities like gardening
  
  
• Over 90% of new knees are still working 15 years after the surgery

 

 

 

What Are The Risks Of A Total Knee Replacement?

 

All operations carry some risk.  Knee replacement is a safe operation but occasionally complications occur.

 

Risks common to all operations include:

 

• Infection
  
  
• Blood clots in the legs
  
  
• Bleeding
  
  
• Damage to surrounding nerves and blood vessels
  
  

 

Risks particular to total knee replacement include:

 

• Knee stiffness
  
  
• Knee instability
  
  
• The knee replacement loosening
  
  
• Pain syndromes

 

 

 

Why Have Julian Perform Your Total Knee Replacement?

 

Research shows that satisfaction after knee replacement is most closely linked to patient expectation. Julian likes to ensure his patients clearly understand what to expect from their new knee. He provides a lot of resource material to his patients before their knee replacement.  Setting realistic expectations of what the surgery can achieve results in a better outcome for his patients.

 

Julian performs computer navigated knee replacements.  This technology  allows very accurate alignment of the new joint.  The hope is that this will result in better outcomes and longevity for the replaced knee.  Julian has been navigating knees for over fifteen years and has considerable experience with this technique.  He is a regular attender at navigation user group meetings nationally.  He is delighted to have introduced this technique to Taranaki for his patients benefit.

 

Julian keeps a detailed database of his patients outcomes so a baseline is established for assessing the long term performance of the replaced joint.

 

Currently Julian is involved in helping set up an international project on new knee wound dressings. These dressings appear to reduce post operative inflammation and bruising.

 

 

 

I Think I May Benefit From A Total Knee Replacement

 

If you think you may need a total knee replacement please arrange a consultation with Julian Stoddart.  You will receive a comprehensive assessment of your knee to determine if this operation is right for you.