Knee replacement surgery can alleviate pain and restore function in severely areas of a diseased knee joint. Our highly-skilled orthopedic surgeons will help you determine if a knee replacement procedure is the right route of treatment for you. Knee replacement surgery is usually reserved for people who have already tried other forms of treatment:
- Therapeutic joint injections
- Physical therapy
- Weight loss
There are a variety of factors your surgeon considers when trying to determine which technique is best suited for your needs. Those factors can include your age, how much you weigh, physical activity, the size and shape of your knee, and overall health.
Wear and Tear of the Knee
The knee is a weight-bearing joint, meaning it supports the majority of your body's weight.
When the cartilage that protects and cushions the knee joint starts to wear away, you may experience pain and stiffness. Over time, this can lead to more serious problems such as osteoarthritis.
The surgery involves removing the damaged cartilage and bone from the knee joint and replacing it with artificial components, called prostheses. There are different types of knee replacement surgery, depending on your individual situation.
Types of Knee Surgery
Total Knee Replacement: In this procedure, the surgeon will replace the damaged cartilage and bone with artificial components. The new joint will be made of metal, plastic, or a combination of both.
Partial Knee Replacement: In this procedure, only a portion of the knee joint is replaced. This type of surgery is usually done when only one side of the knee is damaged.
Knee Resurfacing: In this procedure, the damaged cartilage and bone are removed from the knee joint and replaced with metal surfaces.
Treatment for Knee Pain
Common Treatment
Sometimes knee replacement is not the option you need. Some patients find when they lose weight, it reduces stress on their joints.
Knee pain can be from osteoarthritis or an injury. Often times, physical therapy can help you strengthen your knees without further injury.
Therapeutic injections can alleviate pain caused by osteoarthritis or injury and are often coupled with physical therapy for a robust treatment plan.
Recovering From Knee Surgery
It can take 3 to 6 months for your joint to fully recover. You may need to use a cane or walker for support when you first go home.
You should not put any weight on your knee until it has healed.
Most people however experience a significant reduction in pain and an improvement in function after surgery. Physical therapy will begin soon after surgery and will continue as an outpatient for several weeks.
