Knee Replacement Specialist

What is a knee replacement procedure?

Knee replacement is a procedure that replaces your diseased or damaged knee joint with a prosthesis. The artificial joint features durable, long-lasting materials like plastic or metal, restoring your range of motion and providing long-term pain relief.

If you regularly experience knee pain and it doesn’t respond to at-home treatments like ice, rest, and activity modification, make an appointment at Orthopaedic Surgical Consultants.

Why would I need a knee replacement procedure?

Most people undergo knee replacement because of osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis, or wear-and-tear arthritis, causes your cartilage –– a soft, spongy substance that pads your joints –– to break down over time. As your cartilage disappears, your bones rub against each other, resulting in inflammation and pain.

Other issues that might benefit from knee replacement include fractures, torn cartilage, and torn ligaments.

How do I prepare for knee replacement?

To ensure you’re healthy enough to undergo a knee replacement procedure, your Orthopaedic Surgical Consultants provider schedules a pre-operative clearance exam. 

During the exam, they review your medical records, conduct a complete physical, and order laboratory tests, including blood work and urinalysis. 

Let your provider know about any medications, vitamins, or supplements you take. It’s also important to tell them if you’re allergic to any drugs, latex, or anesthetic agents. The night before knee replacement, drink only water. 

What does knee replacement surgery involve?

Your Orthopaedic Surgical Consultants provider performs knee replacement surgery at a local hospital or in the on-site surgical suite.

Before the operation begins, your provider administers general anesthesia, putting you to sleep. Next, your surgeon makes a small incision over your affected knee and uses special tools to carefully remove the diseased or damaged bone and tissue.

Then, your surgeon replaces your knee joint with an artificial prosthesis and cements it in place. Afterward, they remove the surgical tools, close your incision, and move you to a recovery room for observation. 

What is recovery like after knee replacement surgery?

After knee replacement surgery, you stay in the hospital for several days. As your body heals, it’s normal to experience swelling, bruising, stiffness, and pain. Take your medication as prescribed and closely follow your surgeon’s recovery instructions. 

Your provider prescribes physical therapy to speed up your body’s healing process. Attend each appointment and give the exercises your total effort. Physical therapy helps you regain muscle strength and enhances your range of motion.

To see if you’re a candidate for knee replacement surgery, make an appointment at Orthopaedic Surgical Consultants by calling the office or booking a consultation online today.