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Total Knee Replacement

Surgical replacement of damaged knee joint surfaces with prosthetic components.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Published:

This content is for general information; please consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Ortopedi ve Travmatoloji department. Book Appointment →

What is Total Knee Replacement?

Total knee arthroplasty involves resurfacing of the distal femur, proximal tibia, and often the patella with prosthetic components (metal femoral and tibial components with polyethylene insert).

Indications include end-stage tricompartmental osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, post-traumatic arthritis, or osteonecrosis with functional limitation unresponsive to conservative management.

Modern TKA implants have survival rates of approximately 90–95% at 15 years; patient satisfaction is high but 15–20% report some residual symptoms.

Preoperative evaluation includes medical optimization, radiographic templating, and dental/infection clearance; intraoperative technique focuses on accurate alignment and ligament balancing.

Symptoms

Indications for total knee replacement:
End-stage knee osteoarthritis with bone-on-bone appearance on weight-bearing radiographs
Persistent pain despite 3–6 months of conservative treatment
Severe functional limitation affecting activities of daily living
Night pain disrupting sleep
Progressive deformity (varus, valgus, flexion contracture)

Risk Factors

Infection (1–2% risk; higher in diabetes, obesity, immunosuppression)
Venous thromboembolism (DVT, pulmonary embolism)
Periprosthetic fracture (elderly, osteoporotic patients)
Aseptic loosening and polyethylene wear over time
Stiffness requiring manipulation or revision
Medical complications (cardiac, pulmonary) in elderly with comorbidities

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Persistent knee pain limiting function despite conservative treatment
  • Progressive deformity or instability
  • Post-TKA warning signs: fever, wound drainage, sudden severe pain (infection; emergency)

Treatment Methods

01
Preoperative optimization: weight loss, glycemic control, smoking cessation, anemia correction
02
Neuraxial or general anesthesia with multimodal analgesia (peripheral nerve blocks)
03
VTE prophylaxis with chemical (LMWH, DOAC) and mechanical methods
04
Early postoperative mobilization (same day or day 1) with physical therapy
05
Accelerated recovery pathways: discharge within 1–3 days in selected patients
06
Long-term follow-up with serial radiographs; revision for aseptic loosening, infection, or instability

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Ortopedi ve Travmatoloji department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Ortopedi ve Travmatoloji Department

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.