Total knee replacement (TKR) surgery is routinely opted as a medical necessity to alleviate pain and suffering from advanced or severe knee osteoarthritis. However, a growing number of individuals are now opting for TKR as a lifestyle choice keeping quality of life as a priority.
To do or not to do TKR
TKR is not a life-saving surgery, it is a way to improve the quality of life. Everyone has different lifestyles and physical activity levels. Hence, one should choose TKR surgery considering their personal requirements and lifestyle needs. The decision should not be influenced by peer or family pressure as TKR surgery is not a medical emergency and its outcomes are not the same in all individuals.
In detail
Life, after total knee replacement surgery (TKR) can be significantly improved, with many people experiencing less pain and greater mobility than before the procedure. It is generally a successful procedure. However, like any surgery, it carries some risks; also, recovery takes time and effort. You’ll likely experience pain and discomfort in the first few weeks after surgery. Infection is a serious complication that can occur after any surgery. It’s common to have swelling and stiffness in the knee after TKR surgery, especially in the initial weeks. But it usually improves with physical therapy. Knee replacements typically last 10-15 years, but with proper care and maintenance, they can last longer. Over time, the prosthesis may loosen, causing pain and instability. Revision surgery may be necessary to replace a worn-out prosthesis or address complications. In some cases, more aggressive treatments may be necessary to restore the full range of motion. It’s important to discuss these risks with your surgeon before undergoing TKR surgery.
Consider TKR, but ask the following
- Have you exhausted alternative options like physical therapy, pain management, knee injections and lifestyle modifications to alleviate knee pain?
- Do the potential benefits outweigh the risks and complications? Carefully weigh the potential benefits of TKR against the potential risks and complications. TKR surgery should not be a priority over the life risk.
Benefits of TKR as a lifestyle choice
- Improved mobility and physical activities.
- Significant knee pain and walking gait improvement.
- Increased independence and socialisation.
- Enhanced overall well-being and self-confidence.
Preferable age for TKR
Age is just the number. Early adolescence to as late as the 90’s – anyone can opt it. Age is not the determining factor to choose for the need of TKR. It depends upon the level of knee damage, advancement of deformity, and failure of alternative options to the knee replacement.
However, one should not wait for the TKR surgery until the knee is grossly damaged and malformed. The quality-of-life years spent with knee pain and discomfort cannot be reverted and one cannot have the same physical activity level with increasing age.
Conclusion
TKR is a personal decision and should primarily be taken considering the severity of the knee damage and the quality of life affected. Choose an experienced knee surgeon to avoid unsatisfactory surgical outcomes.
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