Total knee replacement (TKR) is a surgical procedure in which a damaged or arthritic knee joint is replaced with an artificial joint, known as a prosthesis. This procedure is commonly performed to alleviate pain, improve joint function, and enhance the overall quality of life for individuals with severe knee arthritis or joint damage.
Primary TKR is the initial surgical intervention to replace a knee joint that has been significantly affected by conditions like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or other degenerative joint diseases. During the procedure, the surgeon removes damaged cartilage and bone from the knee joint and replaces it with a prosthetic implant. The implants typically consist of metal and plastic components designed to mimic the natural movement of the knee.
Revision TKR is a more complex procedure performed when a previously implanted artificial knee joint needs to be replaced or revised. This may be necessary due to various reasons, such as implant wear, loosening, infection, instability, or other complications arising from the initial knee replacement surgery. Revision surgeries are often more intricate and may involve addressing bone loss, using specialized implants, and carefully planning the surgery to achieve optimal results.
Both primary and revision TKR surgeries aim to relieve pain, restore joint function, and improve the patient's overall mobility and quality of life. While primary Total Knee Replacement is more common, revision TKR is reserved for cases where there are issues with the original implant. It's important for individuals undergoing either procedure to work closely with their healthcare team to ensure proper pre-operative preparation, understand the potential risks and benefits, and actively participate in post-operative rehabilitation for a successful recovery.