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What is Total Knee Replacement? Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment

Published on October 16, 2025 By Dr. Vivek Mittal

Total Knee Replacement (TKR), also known as Total Knee Arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure that relieves pain and restores knee function in patients with severe arthritis or joint damage.
Dr. Vivek Mittal, Delhi’s leading orthopedic and knee replacement surgeon, specializes in advanced knee replacement techniques that help patients regain mobility and live pain-free lives.

What is Total Knee Replacement?

Total knee replacement is a surgical procedure in which worn-out or damaged parts of the knee joint are replaced with a high-quality artificial implant made of metal and medical-grade plastic. Total Knee Replacement surgery helps in eliminating pain, corrects limb alignment, restores knee movements, and improve the strength and flexibility of the knee.

According to Dr. Vivek Mittal, patients who suffer from knee deformities with debilitating knee pain, limiting daily activities and does not respond to medication or physiotherapy are ideal candidates for knee replacement surgery.

Common Reasons for Total Knee Replacement

Dr. Vivek Mittal explains that several underlying conditions can cause serious knee damage, such as:

Osteoarthritis – Wear and tear on joints due to age.
Rheumatoid arthritis – Autoimmune inflammation damages cartilage.
Post-traumatic arthritis – Injuries or fractures that affect the function of the knee.

Avascular necrosis – Bone collapses due to lack of blood flow.

Genetic or structural abnormalities in the knee joint.

When these conditions cause persistent pain, swelling, or stiffness despite medication, total knee replacement becomes a long-term solution.

Diagnosis Before Total Knee Replacement

Before recommending surgery, Dr. Vivek Mittal performs a thorough diagnosis which includes:

Physical testing to assess movement and stability.

X-rays & MRI Scans to identify the extent of joint damage.

Blood Tests to check for infection or inflammation.

Medical History Review to understand previous treatments and overall health.

This helps ensure that the patient is fit for surgery and that the procedure will provide optimal results.

Treatment: The Total Knee Replacement Procedure

Under the expert care of Dr. Vivek Mittal, the surgical process involves:

Removing the damaged bone and cartilage.

Shaping the joint surfaces for implant placement.
Inserting artificial implants made of metal and high-density plastic.
Ensuring perfect joint alignment for natural movement.

Dr. Vivek Mittal uses advanced and minimally invasive techniques to reduce pain, minimize scarring, and promote faster recovery.

Precautions & Recovery After Surgery

Recovery plays a crucial role in the success of knee replacement.
Dr. Vivek Mittal recommends:

Following a customized physiotherapy plan to strengthen muscles.
Avoiding high-impact activities like running or jumping.
Maintaining a healthy body weight to reduce joint strain.
Taking prescribed medications and attending follow-up visits.
Using walking aids initially to prevent falls.

With proper care, most patients can resume normal activities within 6 to 8 weeks and enjoy long-term pain relief.

Final Thoughts

Total Knee Replacement is a safe, effective, and lasting solution for chronic knee pain and stiffness.
Under the expert supervision of Dr. Vivek Mittal, patients receive personalized surgical care, precise diagnosis, and comprehensive rehabilitation support — ensuring the best possible outcomes and long-term mobility.