Knee replacement surgery involves the replacement of a damaged knee joint with a prosthetic device. It’s often the last resort for people who suffer from severe knee pain due to arthritis, trauma, or other knee conditions. It’s also recommended for people with severe deformities in their knees that limit their ability to move and function normally.
Most knee problems recover with physical therapy or medications. However, a joint replacement surgery or arthroplasty may be necessary to:
Relieve Worsening Knee Pain
Knee replacement surgery helps reduce the pain from arthritis, usually reducing it to a manageable level.
Orthopedic surgeons often recommend medications and nonsurgical treatments before resorting to knee replacement surgery. However, these interventions sometimes do not provide enough relief.
Such is the case for:
- Patients with severe osteoarthritis who have failed to respond to nonoperative treatments
- Patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis and pain due to trauma
- Patients with a torn meniscus
Knee replacement can help restore patients’ quality of life by reducing pain and allowing them to return to normal daily activities.
Note that some discomfort may linger after surgery. But it is significantly muted compared to pain before surgery. It should also not interfere with the patient’s lifestyle.
Restore Mobility and Function
Knee replacement surgery can restore mobility and function of the knee joint by eliminating pain and improving stability and balance.
The procedure can also improve a patient’s range of motion. Limited mobility and function often result from:
- Advanced arthritis
- Severe trauma to the knee joint
- Deformity in the bones of the feet, legs, or hips
- Muscles around the knee joint that are too weak to support it
Patients may have to limit high-impact activities, such as running, after surgery. But they will still be able to stand and walk normally.
Prevent Deformity
Some knee conditions cause the joint to become deformed, leading to more pain and loss of mobility.
Knee replacement surgery can stop deformity from progressing by replacing the damaged area of the joint. This will help preserve mobility and make it easier for patients to walk without pain.
You may need a partial or total knee replacement, depending on your condition.
- Partial knee arthroplasty – involves removing the damaged part of the knee and replacing it with a metal or plastic device.
- Total knee arthroplasty – removes the entire knee joint and replaces it with a metal or plastic implant.
The Risks of Knee Replacement Surgery
Knee replacement provides immeasurable benefits for patients who need it. Before deciding, you should discuss the surgery’s potential benefits and risks with your doctor.
The risks of the surgery include:
- Infection
- Blood clots
- Nerve and blood vessel damage
- Instability or stiffness in the joint
- Loosening of the implant over time
Visiting Your Orthopedic Surgeon for Knee Replacement
Your orthopedic surgeon will help determine if knee replacement is right for you. Your doctor will likely order a complete knee X-ray and physical exam.
The information from the imaging scan will help doctors decide how much of the joint needs to be replaced.
Your orthopedic surgeon may recommend the surgery if:
- Nonsurgical treatments are not relieving your knee pain
- You have a severe deformity in your knee
- Your range of motion is severely impaired
- You are unable to maintain a healthy lifestyle due to the pain and discomfort from your knee
During Knee Replacement Surgery
The orthopedic surgeon will make an incision in the knee and then remove damaged bone or cartilage.
The prosthetic replacement is designed to fit the patient’s knee and is permanently attached to the bone.
The surgery usually takes about two hours, but recovery can take several weeks or months.
Before the Procedure
You will need ample preparation if you decide to move forward with knee replacement surgery. Physical therapy and lifestyle changes can help you recover more quickly after the procedure.
These lifestyle changes include:
- Eating a balanced and nutritious diet
- Exercising regularly to maintain strength and flexibility
- Avoiding certain activities, such as running or contact sports
- Engaging in low-impact activities, such as swimming and walking
- Losing weight if you are overweight
- Quitting smoking and excessive alcohol drinking
After the Surgery
Your orthopedic surgeon will instruct you on caring for your new knee joint. You will need to follow a rehabilitation program to ensure a successful recovery.
Your doctor will also monitor your swelling, pain, and range of motion after the surgery. This helps make sure your new knee joint is functioning correctly.
Knee Replacement Surgery Near You in Westlake & Avon, OH
Need knee replacement surgery near you in Westlake and Avon? The Northeast Ohio Orthopaedic Associates can help you. We have a team of highly credible and trustworthy joint replacement surgeons who are dedicated to providing you with the best care for your joint condition. What’s more? We also offer ancillary services, such as physical therapy and rehabilitation, to help you recover fully.
To set up a private consultation with a Westlake doctor, call us today at 440-892-1440, or fill out our appointment request form.
We look forward to being your trusted healthcare partner for your knee replacement!