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Total Knee Replacement- What to Expect
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When is a Total Knee Replacement (TKR) indicated? A TKR is indicated when the following occur: you have osteoarthritis in the knee, pain prevents you from doing your everyday activities, and conservative measures such as physical therapy, ice, and medication fail to relieve the pain.
What exactly is done in the surgery? The knee cap (patella) is moved out of the way, and the ends of the thigh bone (femur), and shin bone (tibia) are cut to fit a prosthesis. Two parts of the prosthesis are cemented to both the femur and shin bone, and the patella is repositioned.
What should I expect after the surgery? You will experience pain as the result of the surgery, which can be controlled with medication and ice. You will start therapy either the afternoon after your surgery or the next day.
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What will the therapy consist of?
The therapy will consist of gait training with a walker or crutches, with progression to a cane, and eventually to no assistive device. Therapy will also focus on strengthening and range of motion exercises. Usually, it is challenging to fully bend (flex) or fully extend the knee.
References
Richardson, Jan K., Iglarsch, Z. Annette. Clinical Orthopaedic Physical Therapy. W.B. Saunders Company, Philadelphia, 1994. www.allrefer.com
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