How successful is Total Knee Replacement?

Total Knee Replacement (TKR) is one of the most successful surgical procedures. It improves
the quality of life in patients with severe arthritis of the knees.

Although the vast majority of patients can be treated with non operative methods, some of them don’t improve and need to
undergo surgery.

Total Knee Replacement surgeries have been successfully done for over 5 decades now. With time, there have
been huge improvements in both implant design and surgical techniques. Most Reports have
ten-year success rates in excess of 90 percent.

How long does the implant last?

It is one of the most common questions asked by the patient.

According to recent research, more than 90% of the TKRs are still functional after 15 years and
more than 82% are after 25 years.

However we have to remember that the current implants are far better in terms of design,
durability and function than those of 15-20 years ago. So, the current ones are expected to
last even longer.

How well does the patient feel after surgery?

Total Knee Replacement is actually an elective surgery. Usually patients select this as a “Quality of Life” surgery when they are unable to do normal day to day activities in spite of long standing nonoperative treatment.

Almost all of them experience substantial or complete relief of pain once they have recovered from the procedure.

Usually all patients can walk without any cane or limp. It is quite likely that
you know someone with a knee replacement who walks so well that you don’t know (s)he even had surgery!

Patients undergoing TKR also experience improvement in Stiffness and mobility. They can walk better and further.

They are again able to enjoy activities such as dancing, swimming, traveling etc. Overall patients lead a healthier and more active life.