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Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA)

Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) is a surgical procedure in which the damaged articular surfaces of the knee are replaced with prosthetic components. It is commonly performed for end-stage osteoarthritis, inflammatory arthritis, and severe post-traumatic degeneration when conservative treatment has failed. The aim is to relieve pain, correct deformity, restore alignment, and improve knee function and mobility.

Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA), also known as total knee replacement, is a reconstructive procedure used to treat advanced degenerative or inflammatory disease of the knee. During the procedure, the damaged articular surfaces of the distal femur and proximal tibia are resected and replaced with metallic components, with a polyethylene insert placed between them. The patella may also be resurfaced in selected patients. The most common indication is end-stage osteoarthritis, particularly when patients have persistent pain, stiffness, deformity, and functional limitation despite adequate conservative treatment. Other indications include rheumatoid arthritis, post-traumatic arthritis, osteonecrosis, and selected complex deformities. Preoperative assessment includes clinical examination, evaluation of limb alignment and ligament stability, and weight-bearing radiographs. The procedure aims to achieve appropriate mechanical or functional alignment, balanced soft tissues, stable ligamentous support, and restoration of a functional range of motion. Implants may be cruciate-retaining, posterior-stabilized, or more constrained depending on ligament integrity and deformity. Postoperative management includes multimodal pain control, thromboprophylaxis, early mobilisation, physiotherapy, and progressive strengthening and range-of-motion exercises. Most patients experience substantial improvement in pain and daily function after successful surgery. Potential complications include infection, stiffness, venous thromboembolism, instability, periprosthetic fracture, patellar complications, neurovascular injury, aseptic loosening, and polyethylene wear. With good patient selection, accurate component positioning, and appropriate rehabilitation, TKA provides reliable long-term pain relief and functional improvement.

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