Knee Replacement Surgery

Are you experiencing chronic knee pain that affects your daily life? Knee replacement surgery might be the solution you need to regain mobility and live pain-free. Understanding the procedure, preparation, and recovery process can help you make an informed decision about your health.

At Precision Orthopaedic Specialties in  Chardon and Middlefield, Ohio, we specialize in comprehensive orthopaedic care, including knee replacement surgery. Our experienced team is here to guide you through every step, ensuring you receive the best possible treatment tailored to your needs. Contact us today!

What is Knee Replacement Surgery?

Knee replacement surgery (also known as knee arthroplasty) involves replacing damaged or worn-out surfaces of the knee joint with artificial components. This procedure is designed to relieve knee pain, restore function, and improve the quality of life for individuals suffering from severe knee problems.

There are different types of knee replacement procedures. They include:

  • Total knee replacement surgery/total knee arthroplasty
  • Partial knee replacement
A doctor examining a patient that had knee replacement surgery in Chardon, Ohio.

How Do You Know If You Need One?

Determining whether you need knee replacement surgery depends on several factors. Persistent, moderate or severe knee pain, swelling, and stiffness that hinder your ability to perform everyday activities are key indicators. If non-surgical treatments like medications, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes fail to provide relief, it may be time to consider surgery.

Are You a Candidate for the Surgery?

Ideal candidates for knee replacement surgery are individuals who:

It’s essential to consult with a knee specialist to evaluate your condition and determine if knee replacement surgery is the right option for you.

Conditions That Knee Replacement Helps Treat

Knee replacement surgery primarily treats severe knee arthritis caused by osteoarthritis but can also address other conditions, such as:

  • Post-traumatic arthritis
  • Knee deformities
  • Severe knee injuries
 

By replacing damaged joint surfaces, the procedure aims to relieve pain and improve function in affected knees.

How Should I Prepare?

Preparing for knee replacement surgery involves several steps:

  1. Medical Evaluation: Your doctor will conduct a thorough assessment, including blood tests, X-rays, and possibly an MRI, to evaluate the extent of the damage.
  2. Pre-Surgical Instructions: Follow your surgeon’s instructions regarding medications, diet, and lifestyle changes. You may need to stop taking certain medications before surgery.
  3. Home Preparation: Arrange your home to facilitate recovery, such as creating a safe, accessible environment and ensuring you have necessary aids like crutches or a walker.
  4. Physical Preparation: If recommended by your surgeon, engage in preoperative exercises to strengthen muscles around the knee and enhance recovery.

What Happens During the Procedure?

During knee replacement surgery, your surgeon will follow these steps general steps:

  1. You’ll receive either general anesthesia that will put you asleep or a spinal, epidural, or regional anesthesia to numb you from the waist down.
  2. Your surgeon will then make an incision over the knee to access the joint.
  3. Damaged bone and cartilage are removed from the thigh bone, shinbone, and kneecap.
  4. Artificial components (metal and plastic) are positioned to recreate the knee joint.
  5. The incision is closed, and the knee is bandaged.
 

The entire procedure typically takes about 1-2 hours.

What Can I Expect During Recovery?

Recovery from knee replacement surgery involves:

  1. Physical Therapy: A physical therapist will give you exercises to regain strength, flexibility, and mobility.
  2. Home Care: You will need to continue your exercises at home. You will manage any pain with prescribed medications.
  3. Follow-up: You will be expected to attend follow-up appointments. These are essential for successful recovery.
  4. Recovery Time: You should be able to return to most activities between 3-6 weeks after surgery.

What Are the Risks?

As with any surgical procedure, knee replacement surgery carries certain risks, including:

Discussing these risks with your surgeon will help you understand the procedure and how to mitigate potential complications.

How Successful is Knee Replacement Surgery?

Knee replacement surgery boasts a high success rate, with many patients experiencing significant pain relief and improved function. Most knee replacements last 15-20 years, providing long-term benefits and enhancing the quality of life for many individuals.

It is important to note that the replacement knee is not the same as a healthy knee and you may need to adjust your activity in order to protect the implant and make it last longer.

Schedule an Appointment Today

If you’re considering knee replacement surgery, contact our knee specialists at Precision Orthopaedic Specialties to schedule an appointment. Our dedicated team in  Northeastern OH, is ready to help you on your journey to pain-free mobility and improved joint health. We look forward to providing you with personalized, expert care tailored to your unique needs.