Knee pain that lasts for a long time, gets worse when walking, climbing stairs, standing for a long time, and even when resting, is often caused by severe knee joint damage (advanced stage osteoarthritis) .
In the early stages, symptoms can usually be managed with pain medication, physiotherapy, or joint injections. However, if these therapies no longer provide significant improvement, Total Knee Replacement (TKR) surgery becomes a scientifically recommended definitive treatment.
At EMC Pekayon Hospital Bekasi, this procedure is performed by experienced hip & knee subspecialists.
What is Total Knee Replacement?
Total Knee Replacement is a surgical procedure to replace the entire surface of the damaged knee joint with a special implant (prosthesis) made of medical metal and special medical polyethylene material.
It is important to understand that this operation does not involve removing the entire knee , but rather replacing the surface of the joint that has worn out due to inflammation or degenerative processes.
The aim of this action is to:
- Relieve chronic pain
- Improve knee function and range of motion
- Correcting leg deformities (O or X)
- Restoring the patient's quality of life
Who Needs Knee Replacement Surgery?
Not all knee pain requires surgery. However, total knee replacement may be considered in the following conditions:
1. Advanced Stage Knee Osteoarthritis
Cartilage damage due to the aging process or excessive stress causes the bones to rub against each other.
2. Rheumatoid Arthritis
Joint inflammation due to an autoimmune disorder that causes progressive damage.
3. Post-Traumatic Arthritis
Joint damage due to injury or history of fractures around the knee.
4. Severe pain that does not improve with conservative therapy
The patient has undergone:
- Painkillers
- Programmed physiotherapy
- Joint injections (hyaluronic acid, PRP, or steroids)
However, complaints remain severe and daily activities are disrupted.
Symptoms to Watch Out For
Some signs that are often experienced by patients with severe knee damage include:
- Persistent knee pain
- Knees feel stiff especially in the morning
- Difficulty squatting or climbing stairs
- Knees make a popping sound when moved
- Legs start to form an O or X shape
- Daily activities are disrupted, including during worship
If pain has reduced quality of life, evaluation by a hip & knee orthopedic doctor is highly recommended.
How is a Total Knee Replacement Procedure Performed?
Medically, this procedure is carried out with the following steps:
- Make an incision in the front of the knee
- Lifting damaged bone and cartilage surfaces
- Balancing ligament tissue to keep joints stable
- Placing artificial joint implants with precision
- Re-closing the tissue using standardized surgical techniques
The duration of the operation is generally around 1–2 hours, depending on the patient's condition.
Modern implants are designed to:
- Stable and strong
- Allows movement that resembles a natural knee
- Long lasting, average 15–20 years or more depending on the patient's activity and condition
Is This Operation Safe?
Total knee replacement is a procedure with a high success rate globally. More than 90% of patients experience significant improvement in pain and function after surgery.
However, like any medical procedure, there are risks that should be explained openly, including:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Joint stiffness
- Blood clotting
Therefore, selecting a knee subspecialist doctor and complete hospital facilities are important factors in the success of the procedure.
How is the recovery process?
Recovery is carried out in stages and in a structured manner:
- Day 1 to 2: patient begins standing and walking exercises with assistance.
- Weeks 1–6: intensive physiotherapy to work on strength and flexibility
- Around 3 months: light activities are generally more comfortable
- Around 6 months: knee function becomes more optimal
Long-term success depends heavily on:
- Regular rehabilitation
- Regular check-ups with the doctor
- Patient compliance with the exercise program
Does All Knee Pain Require Surgery?
The answer is no. Before recommending surgery, the doctor will conduct a thorough evaluation through:
- Clinical examination
- Standing X-ray to assess alignment
- Assessment of the degree of joint damage
If the damage is mild to moderate, non-operative therapy remains the primary option. Surgery is considered when the damage is severe and the patient's quality of life is significantly impaired.
Why Choose a Hip & Knee Subspecialist?
The knee joint is a complex structure involving the femur, tibia, patella, ligaments, muscles, and tendons.
Doctors with a hip & knee subspecialty have advanced training in:
- Foot alignment correction
- Ligament balancing technique
- Correct selection and installation of implants
- Precision surgery techniques
- Prevention and management of complications
This approach is important to obtain optimal and long-lasting results.
Knee Doctor Consultation in Bekasi
If you or a family member experiences:
- Chronic knee pain
- Difficulty walking
- Discomfort during daily activities or worship
- Change in the shape of the legs to O or X
Seek immediate evaluation from a hip and knee orthopedic surgeon. The primary goal of therapy isn't just pain relief, but also helping you regain comfortable movement and improve your quality of life.
Article written by Dr. Othdeh Samuel, Sp.OT, FICS, Subsp PL (K), AIFO-K (Orthopedic & Traumatology Specialist, Hip & Knee Subspecialist, EMC Pekayon Hospital – Bekasi).