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Issues associated with Total Knee Replacement:

Total knee replacement (TKR) is a major surgery that carries some risks and potential complications. Some common issues that may be associated with TKR include:

1. Infection: As with any surgery, there is a risk of infection following TKR. This risk can be reduced by following proper wound care and taking antibiotics as prescribed by your healthcare provider.
2. Blood clots: There is a risk of developing blood clots following TKR, particularly in the legs. Your healthcare provider may prescribe blood thinners or other medications to reduce this risk.
3. Loosening of the prosthesis: Over time, the prosthesis (artificial joint) used in a TKR may loosen, which can cause pain and instability. If this occurs, you may need to have revision surgery to replace the prosthesis.
4. Nerve or blood vessel damage: During the surgery, there is a risk of damaging nerves or blood vessels in the area. This can lead to numbness, tingling, or other sensations in the affected area.
5. Implant failure: In rare cases, the prosthesis may fail prematurely, which can cause pain and limited mobility. If this occurs, you may need to have revision surgery to replace the prosthesis.

Surgery for Total knee replacement (TKR)

• The surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia, and it takes about 2-3 hours to complete. During the surgery, the damaged joint is removed and replaced with a prosthesis made of metal and plastic components. The prosthesis is designed to replicate the function of a natural knee joint as closely as possible.

  After the surgery, you will need to undergo physical therapy to help you regain strength and mobility in your knee. It typically takes several weeks to several months to fully recover from a TKR, and you may need to use crutches or a walker for a period of time after the surgery.

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Importance of strengthening exercises post knee replacement:

 

• Strengthening exercises are an important part of the recovery process following a total knee replacement (TKR). These exercises can help to improve the strength and stability of the knee joint, which can help to reduce the risk of falls and injuries and improve overall function.

 

• Typically, physical therapy will be prescribed after a TKR to help you regain strength and mobility in your knee. The physical therapist will work with you to develop a customized exercise plan that is tailored to your needs and goals.

 

• Your exercise plan may include a variety of exercises to help strengthen the muscles around the knee, such as quadriceps and hamstrings exercises, as well as exercises to improve balance and flexibility. You may also be taught exercises to do at home to help you continue to progress in your recovery.

 

• It is important to follow the exercise plan prescribed by your physical therapist or healthcare provider to ensure that you are progressing safely and effectively. You may need to gradually increase the intensity and duration of your exercises over time as your strength and endurance improve.

 

• In addition to strengthening exercises, it is also important to engage in other activities that can help to promote overall health and well-being, such as walking, swimming, or cycling. These activities can help to improve cardiovascular fitness and can be enjoyable ways to stay active and healthy.

MyoActive Sports Medicine, is the best reviewed and priced myotherapy and remedial massage clinic in Melbourne which provides myotherapy services from accredited myotherapists to clients in Burwood, Burwood East, Vermont, Vermont South, Glen Waverley, Mount Waverley, Forest Hill, Wheelers Hill, Nunawading, Heathmont, Blackburn, Oakleigh, Mitcham, Canterbury, Surrey Hills, Scoresby, Springvale, Camberwell, Box Hill, Ringwood, Knox, Rowville, Croydon, Croydon south and Boronia.