Overview
What the Operation Changes
End stage knee osteoarthritis is the main reason for a primary total knee arthroplasty.
End-stage knee osteoarthritis is the main reason for a primary total knee arthroplasty. Articular cartilage is lost, the exposed subchondral bone becomes sclerotic, and osteophytes develop around the joint. The result is mechanical pain, stiffness, loss of function, and difficulty walking even when the patient is resting. A total knee replacement resurfaces the distal femur and proximal tibia and often replaces the patellar surface with prosthetic components. It does not restore a normal native knee; it creates a stable, functional joint that still needs protected healing, progressive movement, and rehabilitation. The operation itself creates several competing nursing priorities. Tissue injury produces inflammation and blood loss. Anaesthesia, pain, and swelling can reduce movement. Reduced movement promotes venous stasis, while surgical injury activates coagulation. The patient therefore needs adequate analgesia to move, but analgesia must not cause oversedation, respiratory depression, or an unassisted fall.