Knee Replacement
Also called knee arthroplasty, knee replacement is a surgical procedure that involves removing damaged or diseased tissue from your knee joint and replacing it with artificial (prosthetic) components. The goal of knee replacement is to improve your quality of life by relieving pain and restoring normal functioning to your knee joint.
Why would I need a knee replacement?
Whether to have a knee replacement is a major decision. We may recommend you get a knee replacement if you have knee pain and restricted mobility that don’t improve with nonsurgical treatments like physical therapy.
Chronic conditions, like arthritis, are the most common reasons for knee replacement surgery. However, a knee replacement may be the solution to a variety of knee problems, like severe fractures or deformities.
More than 90% of people who get a knee replacement experience significant pain relief and improvement in their ability to perform daily tasks.
What should I expect from knee replacement surgery?
We will perform a physical exam and review your symptoms and medical history to ensure you’re a good candidate for knee replacement surgery. We will also discuss the best type of anesthesia for your procedure, including general anesthesia or a regional nerve block.
Knee replacement surgery typically lasts 1-2 hours. During this time, we carefully remove damaged cartilage and bone from your knee and then position the prosthetic joint. After surgery, you may need to stay in the hospital for a few days.
We will work with you to develop a post-surgical rehabilitation plan that may include physical and occupational therapy and advise you on steps you can take at home, like adding a stable bench or chair to your shower.
You should be able to walk with an assistive device, like a walker, soon after surgery. However, you’ll need help performing daily tasks like laundry, cooking, and shopping. If you live alone, we can help you make arrangements for assistance.
