Total Knee Replacement TKR

Total Knee Replacement TKR

Total Knee Replacement in Oklahoma City

Dr. Paul Jacob is a fellowship-trained hip and knee replacement specialist providing total knee replacement in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. With advanced training in adult reconstruction at the Cleveland Clinic, Dr. Jacob specializes in treating advanced knee arthritis and other conditions that cause persistent pain, stiffness, and difficulty with everyday activities.

When knee pain interferes with walking, climbing stairs, exercising, or resting comfortably, total knee replacement may be considered when nonsurgical treatments no longer provide adequate relief. Dr. Jacob develops an individualized treatment plan based on each patient's knee condition, overall health, activity level, and goals.

Total knee replacement

Total knee replacement, also called total knee arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure in which the worn out or damaged surfaces of the knee joint are removed and replaced with artificial parts. The knee is made up of the femur (thigh bone), the tibia (shin bone), and patella (kneecap). The meniscus, the soft cartilage between the femur and tibia, serves as a cushion and helps absorb shock during motion. Arthritis (inflammation of the joints), injury, or other diseases of the joint can damage this protective layer of cartilage, causing extreme pain and difficulty in performing daily activities. Your doctor may recommend surgery if non-surgical treatment options have failed to relieve the symptoms.

Indications

Total knee replacement surgery is commonly indicated for severe osteoarthritis of the knee. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of knee arthritis in which the joint cartilage gradually wears away. It often affects older people.

In a normal joint, articular cartilage allows for smooth movement within the joint, whereas in an arthritic knee the cartilage itself becomes thinner or completely absent. In addition, the bones become thicker around the edges of the joint and may form bony “spurs”. All of these factors can cause pain and restricted range of motion in the joint.

Your doctor may advise total knee replacement if you have:

• Severe knee pain which limits your daily activities (such as walking, getting up from a chair or climbing stairs).
• Moderate to severe pain that occurs during rest or awakens you at night.
• Chronic knee inflammation and swelling that is not relieved with rest or medications
• Failure to obtain pain relief from medications, injections, physical therapy, or other conservative treatments.
• A bow- legged knee deformity

Causes

The exact cause of osteoarthritis is not known, however there are a number of factors that are commonly associated with the onset of arthritis and may include:

• Injury or trauma to the joint
• Fractures at the knee joint
• Increased body weight
• Repetitive overuse
• Joint infection
• Inflammation of the joint
• Connective tissue disorders

Diagnosis

Your doctor will diagnose osteoarthritis based on the medical history, physical examination, and X-rays.

X-rays typically show a narrowing of the joint space in the arthritic knee.

Procedure

The goal of total knee replacement surgery is to relieve pain and restore the alignment and function of your knee.

The surgery is performed under spinal or general anesthesia. Your surgeon will make an incision in the skin over the affected knee to expose the knee joint. Then the damaged portions of the femur bone are cut at appropriate angles using specialized jigs. The femoral component is attached to the end of the femur with or without bone cement. The surgeon then cuts or shaves the damaged area of the tibia (shinbone) and the cartilage. This removes the deformed part of the bone and any bony growths, as well as creates a smooth surface on which the implants can be attached. Next, the tibial component is secured to the end of the bone with bone cement or screws. Your surgeon will place a plastic piece called an articular surface between the implants to provide a smooth gliding surface for movement. This plastic insert will support the body’s weight and allow the femur to move over the tibia, similar to the original meniscus cartilage. The femur and the tibia with the new components are then put together to form the new knee joint. To make sure the patella (knee cap) glides smoothly over the new artificial knee, its rear surface is also prepared to receive a plastic component. With all the new components in place, the knee joint is tested through its range of motion. The entire joint is then irrigated and cleaned with a sterile solution. The incision is carefully closed, drains are inserted and a sterile dressing is placed over the incision.

Post-operative care

Rehabilitation begins immediately following the surgery. A physical therapist will teach you specific exercises to strengthen your leg and restore knee movement. Knee immobilizers are used to stabilize the knee. You will be able to walk with crutches or a walker. A continuous passive motion (CPM) machine can be used to move the knee joint . Continuous passive motion is a device attached to the treated leg which constantly moves the joint through a controlled range of motion, while the patient relaxes. Your physical therapist will also provide you with a home exercise program to strengthen thigh and calf muscles.

Risks and complications

As with any major surgery, possible risks and complications associated with total knee replacement surgery include:

• Knee stiffness
• Infection
• Blood clots (deep vein thrombosis)
• Nerve and blood vessel damage
• Ligament injuries
• Patella (kneecap) dislocation
• Plastic liner wears out
• Loosening of the implant

If you find difficulty in performing simple activities such as walking or climbing stairs because of your severe arthritic knee pain, then total knee replacement may be an option for you. It is a safe and effective procedure to relieve pain, correct leg deformity, and help you resume your normal activities of daily living.

Why Choose Dr. Paul Jacob for Total Knee Replacement in Oklahoma City?

Dr. Paul Jacob is a Cleveland Clinic-trained adult reconstruction specialist whose practice focuses on hip and knee replacement. His expertise includes primary and revision knee replacement, robotic-assisted surgery, minimally invasive techniques, and outpatient joint replacement for appropriately selected patients.

Total knee replacement requires careful evaluation and surgical planning to restore knee alignment, stability, and function. Dr. Jacob uses his specialized training and experience to determine the most appropriate treatment approach for each patient while providing guidance throughout the recovery process.

Patients considering total knee replacement in Oklahoma City may benefit from:

• Fellowship training in adult reconstruction at the Cleveland Clinic
• Dedicated focus on hip and knee reconstruction
• Experience with total and revision knee replacement
• Robotic-assisted knee replacement options when appropriate
• Outpatient knee replacement for eligible patients
• Individualized treatment and recovery planning

Total Knee Replacement FAQs

Total Knee Replacement in Oklahoma City

If severe knee arthritis is making walking, climbing stairs, exercising, or completing everyday activities difficult, Dr. Paul Jacob provides specialized total knee replacement in Oklahoma City. His Cleveland Clinic training and dedicated focus on adult reconstruction allow him to provide personalized treatment options for patients with painful and damaged knee joints.

Schedule an evaluation with Dr. Paul Jacob in Oklahoma City to learn whether total knee replacement may help relieve your knee pain and improve your mobility. Patients from Edmond, Norman, and surrounding Oklahoma communities can receive specialized knee replacement care and individualized guidance throughout treatment and recovery.