Total Knee Replacement and Total Knee Arthroplasty: They Are the Same Procedure
Total knee replacement (TKR) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) are indeed the same surgical procedure, with the terms being used interchangeably in medical literature and clinical practice 1.
Understanding the Terminology
The terminology differences reflect the following:
- Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA): The technically precise medical term used predominantly in academic literature and by orthopedic surgeons 1
- Total Knee Replacement (TKR): A more patient-friendly term commonly used when communicating with patients 2
Both terms refer to the same surgical procedure that involves:
- Replacement of both the medial and lateral femorotibial joints
- Replacement of the patellofemoral joint
- Use of prosthetic components to replace damaged knee joint surfaces 2
Clinical Context and Application
This procedure is primarily performed for:
- End-stage osteoarthritis that has failed conservative management 1, 3
- Severe knee pain and functional limitations affecting quality of life 4
- Radiographic evidence of advanced joint damage 3
The PROSPECT Working Group, which conducts systematic reviews of postoperative pain management, consistently uses the term "total knee arthroplasty (TKA)" when discussing this procedure and its management 1.
Evidence in Medical Literature
The American College of Radiology and other major medical organizations use both terms interchangeably in their clinical guidelines 1, 3. For example:
- The ACR Appropriateness Criteria refers to "Imaging after Total Knee Arthroplasty" 1
- Research studies may use either term to describe the same procedure 5, 4
Common Pitfalls in Terminology
A common misconception is that these terms refer to different procedures or techniques. This is incorrect and may lead to:
- Patient confusion about treatment options
- Miscommunication between healthcare providers
- Difficulties in researching outcomes across studies that use different terminology
Clinical Outcomes
Regardless of the terminology used, the procedure has shown significant effectiveness:
- High patient satisfaction rates ranging from 75% to 89% 1
- Substantial improvements in pain reduction and functional improvement 4
- Long-term implant survival with failure rates of <1% per year 1
In conclusion, when encountering either term in medical literature or clinical discussions, healthcare providers should understand that TKR and TKA refer to the same surgical intervention for end-stage knee joint disease.