Total knee replacement (TKR), or total knee arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure to treat patients suffering from severe knee pain and lack of mobility due to knee damage.
Who is a candidate for total knee replacement?
Candidates for total knee replacement generally include individuals with the following:
- Chronic knee pain that impairs daily activities such as walking, climbing stairs, and sitting or standing for prolonged periods.
- Moderate to severe knee pain while resting, which might affect sleep.
- Knee inflammation and swelling that doesn’t improve with rest or medications.
- Knee deformity, such as bowing in or out of the knee.
- No significant relief from other treatments like anti-inflammatory medications, cortisone injections, or physical therapy.