What does TKA stand for in a medical context?

In a medical context, TKA stands for Total Knee Arthroplasty. This term refers to a surgical procedure that involves the replacement of the knee joint with an artificial implant. It is commonly performed on patients who suffer from severe knee pain and dysfunction typically due to degenerative conditions such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis.

Total Knee Arthroplasty aims to relieve pain, restore function, and improve the quality of life by allowing patients to engage in daily activities with reduced discomfort. The procedure usually involves the removal of damaged bone and cartilage from the knee joint and replacing it with metal and plastic components to mimic the natural structure and function of the knee.

Understanding this term is vital in the medical field, especially for medical scribes, as they often document surgical procedures and patient information related to orthopedic interventions.