Total knee replacement (TKR) is a major surgery performed to relieve the pain and disability of arthritis. It involves replacing a diseased or damaged knee joint with an artificial one.
There are many benefits to having a total knee replacement. However, as with any major surgery, there are also risks involved with a total knee replacement. An orthopedic surgeon’s goal is for you to enjoy the benefits of having a completely new knee joint, and the doctor will make careful decisions to ensure the risk of complications is very low. With a highly experienced orthopedic surgeon who has performed a total knee replacement hundreds of times, you can reduce your risk of complications significantly.
It is very important that you discuss all potential benefits and risks of a total knee replacement with your orthopedic surgeon before making a decision on whether to pursue the procedure.
Below, we give you the benefits and risks of a total knee replacement. Make sure to discuss them in detail with your surgeon.
Benefits of a Total Knee Replacement
- Relief from knee pain – This is the main reason why people opt for a total knee replacement. Severe pain is one of the considerations for this procedure. The surgery has been shown to be very effective in relieving pain caused by arthritis or other conditions that damage the knee joint. In fact, most people who have the surgery say they feel better than they have in years – even decades.
- Increased mobility – After the surgery, with pain decreased, most knee replacement patients are able to move their knees more easily. With an improved feeling in the knee, they can now do exercises that further improve their health. This can lead to an improved quality of life overall, with many patients saying they have been able to return to many activities they’ve had to give up due to arthritis.
- Improved function – In addition to increased mobility, many people find that their overall function improves after a total knee replacement. For example, they may be able to walk long distances or go up and down stairs more easily than before the surgery. Total knee replacement patients get to enjoy their independence more with better function.
- Reduced dependence on medication – Many people are able to reduce or eliminate their need for pain medications after a successful total knee replacement, as there is a significant reduction in pain.
What Are The Risks of a Total Knee Replacement?
Although total knee replacements are generally safe procedures with a high success rate, there are certain risks involved, as with any type of major surgery, including infection at the surgical site, blood clots, damage to nearby nerves or blood vessels, continued problems with loosening of the new joint over time, and stiffness in the joint. Most of these risk factors are temporary and/or can be reduced significantly with the help of an experienced orthopedic surgeon.
Quality orthopedic surgeons are always looking for ways to reduce the risk of complications for their patients. One way they do this is by performing a pre-operative assessment of each patient’s individual risk factors. This allows them to tailor the surgical plan and post-operative care to each patient in order to minimize their specific risks.
Additionally, orthopedic surgeons work closely with their patients throughout the entire process – from pre-op through recovery – in order to optimize outcomes and prevent any potential problems from arising. They provide education on what patients can expect before, during, and after surgery, so everyone is on the same page regarding expectations and possible complications.
Total Knee Replacement in Hartford and Tolland Counties, CT & Springfield, MA
Our board-certified surgeons at Advanced Orthopedics New England offer the latest orthopedic advances in knee surgery, including minimally invasive total knee replacement. We have performed this surgery hundreds of times and are trusted by the people in our community who are looking for state-of-the-art knee treatments and greater orthopedic expertise. If you are concerned about the risks of a total knee replacement, know that our doctors are with you throughout all aspects of your recovery.
To schedule a consultation with one of our doctors, call our office today at (860) 728-6740, or use our convenient online request form. We look forward to providing you with top-notch orthopedic services.
