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I think modern TKRs for the most part result in a large majority of very happy patients. These are patients who keep their weight close to normal, exercise, prep for the surgery with a trainer or with specific exercises that a good surgeon will provide, and of course, follow post-op procedures and don't smoke.
TKRs started in the late 60s. The procedure itself and the technology have advanced quite far. The keys to a successful procedure are pretty basic - 1) do your research on the surgeon and find someone in their late 30s to mid 40s with a solid med school and residence pedigree, and a few years of experience and positive patient reviews. 2) Find a surgeon who uses robotic guidance for precision cuts during surgery. 3) Do exercises for 6 months prior to surgery to strengthen the muscles that support the knee, and 4) Do all of the suggested post op exercises, usually 3x/day and attend and participate fully in post-op PT.
Do all of this and the outcome will be overwhelmingly positive. The responsibility for a successful recovery from TKR is primarily on the patient.
Replies to "I think modern TKRs for the most part result in a large majority of very happy..."
I wish I had gone with the robotic assist surgeon but I was turned off by his staff. Unfriendly, unhelpful, did not return phone calls or emails or just to say I had to come in if I have more questions (a 1+ hour drive), and just a I can't be bothered, eye rolling attitude. So I stuck with my local older surgeon who I'd been seeing for 5 years who did the traditional surgery. Now I'm having ongoing problems still almost 5 months out from surgery that he does not want to take seriously always telling me everything looks good, other patients just ignore their clicking (mind you I ne er described it as "clicking") , and no way he will even look in with the arthroscope until at least another 4 months of healing. Hindsight is 20/20. I went for a 2nd opinion and diagnosed with Patellar Clunk syndrome. 😭
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How is it that I fit the first paragraph to a tee, and yet one knee is 99% normal and the other a disaster. With the second paragraph, again, I'm way ahead of you. Having had three surgeries and 7 years of reading and research I remain with the conclusion that there is always a risk.