Total Knee Replacement (TKR) – Surgery, Recovery & Physiotherapy
Learn about Total Knee Replacement (TKR), its indications, surgery, recovery timeline, and post-operative physiotherapy. Expert care by Dr. Muhammad Saleem Nawaz in Lahore
What is Total Knee Replacement (TKR)?
Total Knee Replacement (TKR), also known as knee arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure to replace a damaged knee joint with an artificial implant. This procedure is primarily performed on patients suffering from:
- Osteoarthritis (Most common cause)
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Post-traumatic arthritis
- Severe knee injuries or deformities
Types of Knee Replacements
- Total Knee Replacement (TKR): The entire knee joint is replaced.
- Partial Knee Replacement (PKR): Only one part of the knee is replaced.
- Bilateral Knee Replacement: Both knees are replaced simultaneously.
- Revision Knee Replacement: A second surgery due to implant failure or complications.
Who Needs Total Knee Replacement?
TKR is recommended for individuals experiencing:
✔️ Severe knee pain affecting daily activities
✔️ Stiffness and limited range of motion
✔️ Knee joint deformities (bow-legged or knock-knees)
✔️ No relief from medications, physiotherapy, or other treatments
Total Knee Replacement Procedure
TKR surgery generally takes 1 to 2 hours and involves:
- Anesthesia: General or spinal anesthesia is administered.
- Incision: A cut is made on the knee to access the joint.
- Reshaping Bones: The damaged bone and cartilage are removed.
- Implant Placement: Metal and plastic prosthetic components are fixed to the joint.
- Closure & Recovery: The incision is closed, and the knee is stabilized for healing.
Recovery Timeline After Knee Replacement
🔹 Day 1-2: Walking with assistance, pain management, light physiotherapy
🔹 Week 1-2: Wound healing, gentle knee exercises, gradual mobility improvement
🔹 Week 3-6: Increased weight-bearing, muscle strengthening, daily activities resume
🔹 Month 2-3: Walking without support, enhanced flexibility, stair climbing
🔹 6 Months+: Full recovery, improved knee function, return to an active lifestyle
Physiotherapy After Knee Replacement – The Key to Faster Healing
Post-operative physiotherapy is essential for regaining knee mobility, reducing pain, and strengthening muscles.
Essential Physiotherapy Techniques for TKR Recovery:
✔️ Early Mobilization: Walking starts within 24-48 hours post-surgery
✔️ Range of Motion Exercises: To prevent stiffness and regain flexibility
✔️ Strength Training: Quadriceps and hamstring strengthening
✔️ Gait Training: Proper walking techniques to avoid complications
✔️ Pain Management Therapy: Manual therapy, electrotherapy, and hydrotherapy
Dr. Muhammad Saleem Nawaz provides expert physiotherapy services in Lahore to help TKR patients recover quickly and regain full knee function.
Possible Risks and Complications of TKR
While 90-95% of TKR surgeries are successful, some potential risks include:
❌ Blood clots (Deep Vein Thrombosis)
❌ Infection around the implant
❌ Knee stiffness or limited mobility
❌ Implant loosening over time
❌ Nerve or blood vessel damage
Tips for a Faster and Smoother Recovery
✅ Follow a structured physiotherapy plan
✅ Avoid excessive knee bending and high-impact activities
✅ Maintain a healthy weight to reduce joint stress
✅ Stay hydrated and eat a nutritious diet for tissue healing
✅ Take prescribed medications to prevent blood clots and manage pain
Why Choose Dr. Muhammad Saleem Nawaz for TKR Rehabilitation in Lahore?
💠 13+ Years of Experience in post-knee replacement physiotherapy
💠 Advanced pain relief & rehabilitation techniques
💠 Personalized home-based physiotherapy programs
💠 Trusted by hundreds of satisfied patients
Book a Consultation for Knee Replacement Recovery
Looking for expert physiotherapy after knee replacement in Lahore? Contact Dr. Muhammad Saleem Nawaz today to start your rehabilitation journey!