What it means
An operation, also called total knee arthroplasty, most often for severe osteoarthritisos-tee-oh-ar-THRY-tisA long-term joint disease in which the cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones wears away.oste/o bonearthr/o joint-itis inflammationFull entry that limits walking and causes pain not helped by other treatment. The ends of the thigh bone and shin bone are capped with metal, a plastic piece acts as cushioning between them, and the back of the kneecap may be resurfaced. Most people walk with help on the day of surgery or the next day.
For the nurse
Manage pain so the client can do physical therapy, and help with early walking. Watch for bleeding, infection and blood clots: give clot-prevention drugs and use compression devices as ordered, and check circulation, feeling and movement in the leg. Teach the client to report fever, more redness or drainage, or calf pain.
At a glance
| Abbreviations | TKR; TKA (total knee arthroplasty) |
|---|---|
| Spanish | reemplazo total de rodilla |
| Also written | TKR, TKA, total knee arthroplasty |
Related terms
deep vein thrombosis
A blood clot in a deep vein, most often in the leg or pelvis.
osteoarthritis
A long-term joint disease in which the cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones wears away.
femur
The thigh bone, the long bone between the hip and the knee.
mobility
The ability to move freely and easily, such as turning in bed, getting up and walking.
surgery
Treatment in which a surgeon operates on the body, usually by cutting into it, to repair, remove or examine tissue.