total knee replacement in elderly

Total knee replacement TKR is one of the most successful and satisfying procedures in orthopedics today. TKR was attempted first in 1960s.With time, the surgical techniques and implants have evolved. The knee replacement implants have evolved in terms of metal used, design, longevity and range of movement.

However, certain knees pose a challenge to even an experienced surgeon. These include marked deformed knees, stiff knees, post-surgical cases and revision knees. The technique and implant used has to be individualized. The knee replacement implants have evolved in terms of metal used, design, longevity and range of movement.

Total knee replacement case

Presented here is a case of 75 yr. old female with long standing arthritis of both knees. She was diabetic and high blood pressure patient. Due to fear of surgery and financial constraints, she had not been able to get her knees replaced and was now virtually confined to bed.

At time of presentation, she was counseled for surgery. She was shown our previous success stories and allowed personal talk to our previous patients. Once she agreed, she was taken to theatre and both TKR were done together.

The bone cuts and soft tissue releases in surgery had to be modified to give her an absolutely straight leg. In such damaged knees, the muscles around thigh are also wasted due to disease process. This lady required aggressive physiotherapy guidance for 6 weeks and was eventually able to walk without stick. She was shown our previous success stories and allowed personal talk to our previous patients.

Once she agreed, she was taken to theatre and both TKR were done together. The bone cuts and soft tissue releases in surgery had to be modified to give her an absolutely straight leg. In such damaged knees, the muscles around thigh are also wasted due to disease process. This lady required aggressive physiotherapy guidance for 6 weeks and was eventually able to walk without stick.