Knee pain can significantly impact your quality of life, making everyday activities like walking, climbing stairs, or even getting out of a chair difficult. For many people, non-surgical treatments such as physical therapy, medications, and lifestyle modifications can help manage knee pain. However, when these options no longer provide relief and your knee pain becomes debilitating, total knee replacement (TKR) may be the best solution. At Ortho Sport & Spine Physicians, we specialize in helping patients understand when TKR is the right choice and guiding them through the entire process.
Who Can Benefit from Total Knee Replacement?
Total knee replacement is a surgical procedure that involves removing the damaged or diseased parts of the knee joint and replacing them with artificial components, usually made of metal and plastic. This procedure is designed to relieve pain, restore function, and improve the quality of life for individuals suffering from severe knee issues.
TKR is often recommended for patients who experience:
- Severe Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis is the most common reason for knee replacement. This degenerative joint disease wears down the cartilage that cushions the bones in your knee, leading to bone-on-bone contact, pain, and stiffness. When osteoarthritis has progressed to a point where it severely limits your activities and causes constant pain, TKR may be the best option.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation of the joints, including the knees. This inflammation can damage the cartilage and surrounding tissues, leading to pain and deformity. TKR can be an effective treatment for patients with advanced rheumatoid arthritis who have not found relief with other treatments.
- Post-Traumatic Arthritis: Injuries to the knee, such as fractures, torn ligaments, or meniscus tears, can lead to post-traumatic arthritis. This condition can cause chronic pain and instability in the knee joint. If other treatments have failed, TKR may provide significant relief and restore function.
- Severe Knee Deformities: Some individuals have knee deformities, such as bowlegs or knock-knees, that can lead to uneven wear on the knee joint and result in pain and disability. TKR can help realign the knee joint and correct these deformities.
Who Are Good Candidates for Total Knee Replacement?
Total knee replacement is typically considered for patients who:
- Experience Chronic Knee Pain: If your knee pain persists despite conservative treatments and interferes with your ability to perform daily activities, you may be a candidate for TKR.
- Have Significant Joint Damage: Imaging tests like X-rays or MRIs that show severe joint damage or deformities can indicate that TKR is necessary.
- Are Over 50 Years of Age: While TKR can be performed on younger patients, it is most commonly recommended for individuals over the age of 50, as older patients are more likely to experience age-related knee degeneration. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), over 750,000 knee replacement surgeries are performed annually in the United States, with most patients aged between 50 and 80.
- Have Tried and Exhausted Other Treatments: Candidates for TKR are those who have tried physical therapy, medications, injections, and other non-surgical treatments without success.
- Are in Good Overall Health: Patients should be in good general health to undergo surgery. Conditions like uncontrolled diabetes or heart disease may need to be managed before surgery.
Total knee replacement is highly effective, with approximately 90% of patients experiencing significant pain relief and improved function after the surgery. The AAOS reports that more than 90% of TKR patients are satisfied with their results 10-15 years after surgery, and many continue to experience relief for 20 years or more.
If you are struggling with chronic knee pain and other treatments have failed, total knee replacement may be the best solution to restore your mobility and improve your quality of life. At Ortho Sport & Spine Physicians, we are committed to providing comprehensive care and helping you determine if TKR is the right choice for you. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards a pain-free life.
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