What does TKA mean in MEDICAL

Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) is a surgical procedure that replaces an arthritic or damaged knee joint with an artificial joint called a prosthesis.

Those who suffer from severe arthritis of the knee may be candidates for total knee replacement surgery. Patients whose range of motion and/or quality of life is severely impacted by damage caused by osteoarthritis or other diseases may find relief through TKA.

After the surgery and period of initial recovery, patients should notice improved function and mobility in their affected knee as well as reduced pain in comparison to before their surgery. It should also be noted that although some patients experience substantial relief from symptoms due to this procedure, others may not achieve the desired outcomes without additional treatment modalities.

As with all surgical procedures, there are some risks involved with TKA such as infection, blood clots, nerve damage, and stiffness/loss of range of motion in the affected area. Most side effects can be managed through proper post-operative care and rehabilitation.

Recovery times vary greatly among individuals but generally takes several months while following doctor's orders closely which includes physical therapy sessions. The patient will likely need assistive devices such as walkers or crutches during the early stages of recovery until they are able to regain strength and stability in their affected leg.