TKR: basics to know.

Total Knee Replacement

Information for the patient

Non exhaustive, individual, depending on primary or revision case, speak with us.

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Who needs a knee replacement?

For patients suffering from chronic knee pain with difficulty functioning, no benefit despite conservative treatments.

Osteoarthritis (OA) due to degenerative changes

Post-traumatic OA: cartilage erosion - after a fracture or sports injury

Rheumatoid arthritis in the background, rheumatological treatments.

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What to check specifically before surgery?

Past treatments:

Surgical\ Non-Surgical

X-rays:

XR pelvis with hip joints - standing.

XR knees AP LAT SKYLINE views - lying.

XR knees AP LAT - standing.

XR axis measurement of the legs in a standing position

X-RAY FINDINGS FOR OSTEOARTHRITIS/SEROUS EROSION:

Osteophytes

Subchondral cysts

Sclerosis of the subchondral bone

Bony deficiency

Measurements of angles relevant to the planning of the surgery.

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On the day of surgery, in view of his pain and disability

The patient is electively accepted for a complete replacement of the knee joint

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‍Follow-up care after surgery:

Follow-up for the duration of hospitalization includes:

heat

HEMODYNAMIC AND RESPIRATORY STABILITY, monitoring.

Tracking the wound: clean and dry bandage, secretions, redness around.

Neurological and vascular clinical examination, without new deficit.

X-rays demonstrate satisfactory position of the implants.

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Antithrombotic therapy:

Postoperative anticoagulants in prophylactic dose

In accordance with the patient's condition and background

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Monitoring hemoglobin levels:

Transfusion of postoperative blood dose as needed

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Physiotherapy:

Full weightbearing after surgery in most cases

Walking as usual before the event

Permanent help in the first weeks

Exercises for restoring ranges of motion

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Treatment of osteoporosis as needed:

Vitamin D 80,000UI

Once a week for a month

Blood tests for vitamin D levels one month from the start of loading.

General care:

Removal of surgical skin staples- 2 weeks after surgery

Continue the prophylactic anti-thrombotic therapy for 35 days after surgery

Pain killers as needed

Return to regular treatment

The attending physician should be informed about the hospitalization and the course

In case of pain worsening, go back to the doctor

Follow-up at the clinic one and a half months and 3 months after surgery

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