Partial & Total Knee Replacement
Partial and total knee replacement replaces either a portion or the entire arthritic and painful knee joint giving you a smooth and painless gliding surface again, eliminating your pain and improving your function. Outpatient services available.
FAQs
What is the most common reason to need a knee replacement?
The most common reason my patients have their knees replaced is arthritis. Arthritis is wearing away of the smooth cartilage lining in your knee joint that makes movement painful. Generally arthritis is more common in individuals older than 60 and is associated with joint stiffness. If you're having difficulty getting in and out of the car, putting on your shoes and socks, or doing your athletic activities (tennis, golf, biking), it may be due to arthritis.
What is the difference between traditional and robotic knee replacement?
I perform robotic-assisted knee replacement using either the Styker MAKO robot or the Zimmer Biomet ROSA robot. During a robotic-assisted knee replacement, a robotic arm is used in the operating room to assist us with the bone cuts. The robot has been shown to make more accurate cuts compared to traditional knee replacement.
What is the success rate of knee replacement?
The success rate for knee replacement surgery is high. The success rate of knee replacements 10 years after surgery is 90% and at 20 years is 80%.
How do I know when I need a hip replacement?
If you've been told that you have knee arthritis then it's generally recommended to see a joint replacement surgeon to learn about your non-surgical and surgical treatment options.
My general recommendation to patients who have knee arthritis who are considering joint replacement is to go forward with surgery when you're at the point of having more bad days than good days. If your knee pain is hurting you so much that each day is miserable, then that is a good sign that it may be time to have surgery.
What we're learned from our research is that patients with BMI < 40, non-smokers, and who don't have diabetes tend to have the most favorable outcomes after surgery.
What is the difference between partial and total knee replacement?
I perform partial and total knee replacement. The knee joint is made up of three different compartments (medial, lateral, patellofemoral). If the arthritis is only in one of those compartments, then partial knee replacement is indicated. If the arthritis is present in two or more of the compartments, then total knee replacement is indicated. My patients who have partial knee replacements tend to have a quicker recovery and less pain.
What does the actual knee replacement surgery entail?
After an incision is made over your knee and the knee joint is entered, the arthritic portions of your knee joint are completely removed. The ends of the thigh bone and shin bone are resurfaced and a medical grade plastic liner is placed between them giving you a smooth painless gliding surface again. Knee replacement surgery takes about two hours to complete.
How long do I stay in the hospital after knee replacement?
Most of my patients are able to go home on the same day as surgery or the next day. I strongly discourage my patients from going to a nursing / extended recovery facility after surgery as the research has shown that these are associated with worse outcomes compared to patients who go back to their homes after surgery.
How quick is the recovery after knee replacement?
Generally, most patients are doing most things six weeks after surgery. The first few days you'll spend relaxing at home managing your pain. By the end of the first week, you're moving around pretty good and participating in your home exercises. Formal physical therapy is generally not needed but I will certainly prescribe PT if indicated.
