What does TKR mean in MEDICAL

Total knee replacement (TKR) is a surgical procedure in which the diseased or damaged knee joint is replaced with an artificial joint. The artificial joint, known as an implant, is made of metal alloys and high-grade plastics and provides a smooth, gliding surface for the bones to move against one another. TKR can be used to relieve pain in patients with severe arthritis of the knee or other conditions that affect the functioning of the knee joint.

Some indications for having a TKR may include severe arthritis of the knee, ligament injury or tears, bone fractures in the knee, deformity from previous surgery or trauma, degenerative cartilage discs or excessive wear on the joint due to age. Additionally, some people may elect to have a TKR as prevention for future problems related to their existing condition.

Recovery time following a total knee replacement varies according to individual factors such as age, overall health and activity level prior to the procedure. However, most patients can expect anywhere from 6-12 weeks of rehabilitation before returning to full activities. Physical therapy is essential during this period in order for patients to gain strength and range of motion back into their new joint.

Before undergoing TKR surgery, it is important that you discuss all aspects of your procedure with your medical provider including any risks or benefits related to the surgery. You will also be asked questions about your medical history as well as directed through preoperative tests such as X-rays and blood work if needed. Additionally, you will likely receive instructions on what medications you should avoid taking prior to surgery and how you should prepare yourself mentally and physically in preparation for recovery.

Total knee replacements typically last between 10-20 years depending on factors such as weight bearing load on the artificial joint over time and whether revision surgeries are needed during this period. With proper care and maintenance after surgery including regular checkups with your medical provider and physical therapy when indicated this lifespan can be significantly increased while reducing risk of complication over time.

Revision surgeries may be necessary when any part of an artificial joint wears down sooner than expected due to heavy weightbearing load or abnormal movement patterns caused by other underlying issues such as infection or loosening parts within the prosthesis itself. The likelihood of needing revision surgery depends largely upon how well maintained an individual keeps his/her implant over time which includes following up regularly with their medical provider for maintenance visits plus engaging in physical therapy exercises prescribed by their healthcare professional.

Possible complications associated with having had TKR may include hematoma formation around the incision site which could require reopening of wounds; infection; nerve damage; dislocation of components within the implant structure; stiffness/lack of mobility; recurrent instability leading to further pain; thrombosis/blood clots formation requiring anticoagulation medications; loosening components at bone-implant interface requiring additional surgeries along with loosening up implants atop tibial plateau ultimately resulting in pain relief.

Depending upon individual circumstances and diagnosis alternative treatments available beside having undergone TKR may include activity modification strategies such as use assistive devices like walker/cane plus nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) along with hot/cold packs applied at home accompanied by physical therapy sessions focusing on strengthening muscles surrounding affected joints or injections at site combined with hip arthroscopy if indication exists.

Patients who are not considered candidates for having undergone TKR may include overweight individuals whose body mass index (BMI) exceeds 40 kg/m²; people whose primary source for pain cannot be determined accurately via diagnostic tests results plus those suffering from severe systemic diseases like cancer which would invalidate ability perform operation safely.