Knee Arthritis and Knee Replacement Surgery
Knee Replacement Surgery, also known as Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA), is a procedure to replace the damaged knee joint with artificial components. It is often recommended for severe arthritis when conservative treatments no longer provide relief.
Symptoms of Knee Arthritis
Pain : Knee arthritis typically causes pain deep within the knee. Early on, a specific area ("compartment") of the knee may be affected, causing focal pain, but as the arthritis progresses, the entire knee can become painful. ​
Stiffness : As a result of thinning of the cartilage in the joint, the body typically tries to reinforce the joint by laying down bone growths called osteophytes. These can act like door-stops and prevent normal motion. The muscles and tendons around the knee may also become tight.
Bowing / In-Pointing deformities: Typically one side of the knee is worn moreso than the other. This results in the knee either bowing out (varus deformity) or in (velgus deformity). This means the knees are no longer straight.
​
Difficulty with walking: Pain and Stiffness together can significantly limit your ability to walk, and ultimately your quality of life!
​
​​
Consultation
Total Knee Replacement Surgery
Before the Knee Replacement Surgery, Dr Farhat will plan the best approach for performing the knee replacement depending on the damage involved and specific patient factors.
​
Computer software planning is used, and in some cases, customised 3D printed jigs will be specifically made to measure to make the procedure as smooth as possible. Dr Farhat does use a robot to help perform certain parts of the procedure.
During the procedure, Dr Farhat will remove the damaged parts of the knee joint —typically the worn out cartilage of the patella, femur and tibia — and replace them with prosthetic components made of metal and plastic.
Recovery involves a period of rehabilitation to regain mobility and strength.
The surgery generally offers significant pain relief and improved joint function for most patients.
At your first consultation, Dr Farhat will take a thorough history and undertake an examination of the troublesome areas.
​
If an Xray of the painful region is available, be sure to bring them in / notify Dr Farhat where they were performed so that they can be reviewed. ​Further investigations may be prescribed.
​
Taking into account your unique history, examination and investigation findings, a management plan will be formulated.
​
Non-Surgical Measures will be trialed where possible, including:
- Pain Relief Medications / Supplements
- Physiotherapy
- Weight loss
- Steroid injections
​
​
​
​​
