Knee Replacement Specialist

What is a knee replacement?

Knee replacement is a surgery to exchange damaged or faulty areas of your knee with new metal, ceramic, or plastic materials. The knee prosthetics fit the dimensions of your prepared bone precisely, giving you the smooth joint movement of a healthy joint. 

There are a couple of approaches to knee replacement, including minimally invasive methods with small incisions and traditional methods with larger incisions. The chosen method can depend upon the size of implant, your body frame, your age, and other factors. 

Most knee replacements are total knee replacements, but around 5-6% of people may have a partial knee replacement instead. 

How are total and partial knee replacements different?

A total knee replacement removes and replaces all of the surfaces in your joint. That includes a femoral component that replaces the bone at the end of your femur (thigh bone), a tibial component that replaces the bone at the top of your tibia (leg bone), and a plastic spacer between them. 

A total knee replacement may also include a patellar component that replaces the damaged part of your knee cap if you need it. 

In contrast, a partial knee replacement restores just one part (compartment) of your knee. Partial knee replacements require fewer surgical changes in your knee, but they’re only appropriate for people with damage in one single part of the knee. 

When might I need knee replacement surgery?

The most common reason for knee replacement surgery is treatment-resistant osteoarthritis, which causes cartilage erosion at the ends of your knee bones. Some other possible situations that could require knee replacement include:

• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Osteonecrosis (bone death)
• Knee joint trauma
• Severe fracture
• Bone tumor 
• Frequent knee joint dislocations

Knee replacement surgery is generally a last resort after you try noninvasive and minimally invasive methods of pain relief and healing. For example, some people can delay or avoid knee replacement with a cartilage restoration procedure. 

But, if you have severe long-term knee pain and mobility issues, knee replacement could be the right option for you. 

How long is recovery after knee replacement?

Recovery takes some time, but many people get back to their regular daily activities within three to six weeks. Everyone may have a different recovery timeline based on their type of knee replacement, physical health, and rehab plan.

Physical therapy and special exercises at home can strengthen your knee and encourage proper healing, so these things are integral to knee replacement success. 

To learn more about knee replacement surgery, call the Martin Orthopedics office nearest you or click the online appointment link.