Knee replacement surgery or knee arthroplasty is a surgical procedure that restores function to a damaged knee and provides pain relief. Those who have severe pain and are disabled are good candidates for a knee replacement. Close to 800,000 knee replacements are performed every year in the United States, and it is the most commonly performed joint reconstruction surgery.
Who needs it?
Osteoarthritis or wear-and-tear disease is the most common reason for needing a knee replacement. Other reasons include rheumatoid arthritis and post-traumatic arthritis. Patients with arthritis have worn away cartilage that causes bones in the knee joint to rub against each other, causing pain and inflammation. Arthritis can make walking, going upstairs, as well as getting up and sitting down difficult. Pain while at rest that interferes with sleep is also a known symptom. If you are of normal weight and have good overall health, you most likely qualify for this procedure.
Benefits
The benefits of knee replacement surgery include relief from severe pain, improved knee function, and greater mobility. Minimally-invasive knee replacement can reduce the recovery period, with post-operative patients able to return to light activities six weeks after surgery. Knee replacement patients have a better chance of having a better quality of life after the procedure.
What happens during the procedure?
Knee replacement is either partial or total, depending on the extent of the damage. Minimally-invasive surgery is one technique used to perform this procedure and involves smaller incisions and the use of miniature surgical tools to remove the damaged parts of the joint. During a knee replacement, the doctor replaces the damaged surfaces of the joint with prostheses made of metal and plastic. Cement is used to attach the prostheses to the bone. During a minimally-invasive procedure, this is done with minimal disturbance to the surrounding healthy tissue. This procedure involves less bleeding, reduced risk of complication, and faster recovery.
Advancements in Knee Replacement
Knee replacement surgery has come a long way since its invention, and continual advances are being made in its techniques and prostheses. There are now robotic knee replacement surgeries where the doctor uses a robotic arm to place the implant for better precision. Additionally, the materials for knee implants now have 200 size variations, which can positively impact patient satisfaction with the outcome of the surgery. Proper implant size promotes proper knee kinematics and can greatly improve range of motion, decrease pain, and reduce the need for revision surgery in the future.
Knee Replacement Surgeon in Pembroke Pines and Lauderdale Lakes, FL
At Total Orthopaedic Care, one of our specialties is joint reconstruction. Our orthopaedic surgeons are highly skilled and experienced in performing minimally-invasive knee replacement surgery. We can replace or reconstruct any part of the joint and will recommend the procedure that is right for you. We also offer a superior physical therapy rehabilitation program for all our patients. To schedule a consultation with any of our board-certified orthopaedic surgeons, call (954) 735-3535 or request an appointment online now. Our friendly staff looks forward to serving you.
