Indications:
Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA), commonly known as Total Knee Replacement, is recommended for patients suffering from severe knee joint damage that significantly limits daily activities and causes persistent pain. The most common indication is end-stage osteoarthritis, where the protective cartilage within the knee joint wears away over time, leading to bone-on-bone friction. Other conditions that may require this procedure include rheumatoid arthritis, which causes chronic inflammation of the joint lining, and post-traumatic arthritis that develops after fractures or ligament injuries around the knee. TKA is generally considered when conservative treatments such as medications, physiotherapy, lifestyle modification, and joint injections no longer provide adequate relief.

Technique:
The surgery is performed under sterile operating room conditions using advanced orthopedic instruments and precise surgical techniques. A midline incision is made over the front of the knee to access the joint. The patella (kneecap) is gently moved aside to allow clear visualization of the damaged joint surfaces. Using specialized precision cutting guides, the surgeon carefully removes the worn or damaged cartilage and a small portion of bone from the distal femur and proximal tibia in a process known as bone resectioning.

Once the joint surfaces are prepared, the artificial components are positioned. The femoral component, usually made from cobalt-chromium alloy, replaces the damaged surface of the thigh bone, while the tibial component, typically made of titanium or a similar durable metal, is placed on the shinbone. These components are usually secured with polymethylmethacrylate (bone cement) to ensure stable fixation. A highly cross-linked polyethylene insert is then placed between the metal components to act as a smooth, low-friction bearing surface that allows natural joint movement.

Objective:
The primary goal of Total Knee Arthroplasty is to relieve chronic knee pain, restore joint stability, and improve mobility. The procedure also corrects varus or valgus deformities (bow-legged or knock-knee alignment) and helps restore a functional range of motion, typically from 0° full extension to around 120° or more of flexion depending on the patient. By replacing the damaged joint surfaces with durable prosthetic components, TKA enables patients to return to everyday activities such as walking, climbing stairs, and performing routine tasks with significantly less discomfort and improved quality of life.