Total knee replacement

Total knee replacement is a surgical procedure where damaged parts of the knee joint are removed and replaced with artificial components to relieve pain and improve function in people suffering from severe knee osteoarthritis.

Studies have found that total knee replacements can significantly reduce pain and enhance mobility for patients, though recovery varies among individuals. Rehabilitation following surgery plays a crucial role in functional outcomes, and smartphone apps can aid in patient education and post-operative care management. Research also indicates that while obese individuals may face challenges with functional recovery compared to those of normal weight, improvements are still substantial.

This procedure is closely related to hip replacement surgeries in terms of rehabilitation strategies and technological advancements used. Additionally, it shares common outcomes and complications with unicondylar knee replacements, which involve replacing only part of the knee joint.

The evidence base for total knee replacement is extensive but varies in quality, so individual patient experiences may differ from general findings.

Sources

• Understanding the human knee and its relationship to total knee replacement. (PMID:28657560)
• Total knee replacement. (PMID:15160414)
• [[Rehabilitation following total knee replacement].](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34654935/) (PMID:34654935)
• Functional recovery after total hip/knee replacement in obese people: A systematic review. (PMID:36459889)
• Unicondylar knee replacement versus total knee replacement for the treatment of medial knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. (PMID:33512583)
• Smartphone apps for total hip replacement and total knee replacement surgery patients: a systematic review. (PMID:30362363)

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