The knee joint is one of the largest joints in the body and is responsible for maintaining mobilization. This joint is treated with surgery in cases where medical treatment and physiotherapy are ineffective and pain and loss of function increase. For this reason, degenerative diseases of the knee joint are mostly treated with Total Knee Prosthesis (TKA) surgery. TKA is a surgical intervention that reconstructs the joint in patients with knee osteoarthritis, in order to reduce pain and regain lost functions in cases where there is no response to conservative treatment.
TKA is applied to patients whose daily activities are restricted due to pain, limitation of movement, deformity and instability and who cannot achieve the expected improvement with conservative treatment methods (2-4). However, after TKA, life-threatening physical and functional problems and complications that reduce the quality of life and such as pain, infection, pretibial edema, deterioration in bowel functions, pulmonary embolism (PE), deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and prosthesis dislocation may develop.
Early diagnosis and treatment of physical and psychological problems that may occur in these patients, and provision of qualified training that supports patients; self-care competence and functions will accelerate the recovery process and increase the quality of life and patient satisfaction. In a study evaluating health care needs in the early period after TKA. Regarding reducing the pain of patients before discharge, rehabilitation exercises, wound monitoring and care; It has been determined that there is an expectation to be informed about the problems that may occur after discharge, things to pay attention to in the home environment, activities that should not be done, and check-up times.
The main purposes of nursing care and education for patients who will undergo total knee prosthesis are; The aim is to reduce pain, prevent complications that may develop due to orthopedic surgery, increase patient satisfaction, and preserve function and mobilization. It is the nurses duty to determine the patients needs, help the patient when necessary, and ensure continuity of care in cooperation with the patient, his family and the healthcare team. For this reason, nursing care should support the patient and his family until they are equipped with the necessary strength, desire and knowledge, and in this way, individuals should help the patient and their family to gain their independence as soon as possible.
