Total Knee Replacement

WHAT IS A TOTAL KNEE REPLACEMENT?

Total Knee Replacement is the surgical procedure used when cartilage in the knee has worn away. Arthritis, injury and general wear and tear can cause the cartilage to break down leading to pain. Old cartilage is removed, and the ends of the leg bones are resurfaced with metal implants. A plastic spacer is then positioned between the implants. The whole knee is not removed, only the damaged cartilage. The bone, muscle and ligaments remain intact.

REASON FOR THE PROCEDURE

When knee cartilage wears away, raw bone is exposed, leading to pain, stiffness, loss of function and fear of falling. If medication or steroid injections no longer help, it may be time for a knee replacement.

THE PROCEDURE

Now performed with minimally invasive techniques and taking less than 1 hour, Total Knee Replacement is much less painful than in the past. You can walk on your new knee the same day as surgery and, in most cases, are in the hospital for one to three days. Full recovery may take six to twelve weeks.

POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS, RISKS, AND COMPLICATIONS

As with any surgical procedure, risks may include reaction to the anesthesia, infection at the surgical site, nerve injury and blood clots. Fortunately, all complications are rare. Total Knee Replacement materials are made in the USA and designed to last 20-30 years.