Total Knee Replacement Surgery
Total knee replacement is a crucial treatment for patients facing chronic knee pain. Whether your knee has been affected by osteoarthritis, fractures, ligament injuries and tears, or sports-related trauma, this surgical procedure targets the damaged joint, replacing it with prosthetic joint hardware that helps your knee function normally.
At SSM Health Orthopedics, we understand the pain you’re experiencing and can help. Our surgeons are recognized leaders in evaluating all types of knee conditions and treating chronic knee pain. Combining real clinical skill with years of experience, we use the most advanced techniques to heal your pain and restore your movement and function in as little time as possible.
Why A Total Knee Replacement Is Performed
If your knee joint is severely damaged by arthritis, a fracture, or injury, you may experience unbearable pain every day. Even the most effortless tasks such as walking, dancing, or getting out of bed can be difficult.
When medications and non-surgical treatments fail to provide relief, total knee replacement can reduce your pain and help you return to the activities you love.
To identify if you’re a candidate for this surgery, your doctor will order X-rays of your knee. Your doctor may consider several additional factors to see if minimally invasive surgery is an option for you. These factors include your age, weight, surgery history, and ability to participate in a rehabilitation process.
Approaches To Knee Replacement
Your doctor will work with you to determine the best approach to repairing your knee. The types of knee replacement surgery we offer include:
Total Knee Arthroplasty
This procedure replaces the worn out joint connecting the thigh bone (femur) and shinbone (tibia). Metal implants are secured over the prepared surfaces of the bone, and a plastic spacer is placed between them to create a smooth gliding surface. Knee replacement surgery helps create a smoothly functioning joint, which will help prevent painful bone on bone contact in the knee, and offers renewed stability in the joint. A major surgery, total knee replacement requires anesthesia and takes approximately 1-2 hours. Most patients stay overnight in the hospital and go home the day after their surgery. Some patients may be able to go home the day they have surgery.
Partial Knee Replacement
Partial knee replacement, also known as partial knee resurfacing, is an alternative to total knee replacement that is ideal for patients whose disease is limited to just one area of the knee. During this procedure, the diseased portion of the knee is resurfaced, sparing the patient’s healthy bone and surrounding tissue. An artificial implant is then secured in the joint to allow the knee to move smoothly again. Replacing only the damaged part of the knee leaves you with a more natural feel than a total knee replacement, and patients typically have a quicker recovery and less pain after surgery.
Minimally-Invasive Knee Replacement
Whenever possible, our surgeons use minimally-invasive techniques to perform total and partial knee replacement procedures, which reduce postoperative pain and speed recovery. Not all knee replacement patients will qualify for this type of surgery, but your physician will discuss which approach is right for you.
Follow-Up Care
A total knee replacement typically takes one to two hours. You can expect to get out of bed and walk with assistance the day of surgery.
To maximize your recovery, you will be instructed to do the therapy exercises before and after your surgery. You will have physical therapy and occupational therapy while you are in the hospital. Once you return home, therapy appointments at the clinic may be needed two to four times a week.
If you’re considering a total knee replacement, take the next step and schedule an appointment with an SSM Health orthopedic specialist. You can be assured that from your first office appointment through rehabilitation and recovery, you’re being treated by the best orthopedic team in the region.