Knee Replacement

What is knee replacement surgery?

Knee replacements, also called knee arthroplasty, are among the most successful surgical procedures in modern medicine. This technique involves removing damaged or diseased tissue from your knee joint and replacing it with artificial (prosthetic) parts.

The team of surgeons at Alpha Orthopedics & Sports Medicine performs a variety of knee replacement procedures, including:

• Total knee replacement
• Revision surgery for failed knee replacements
• Minimally invasive Makoplasty partial knee resurfacing

With expertise in the most advanced techniques available, the team at Alpha Orthopedics & Sports Medicine customizes your knee replacement to your specific needs.

Why would I need a knee replacement?

The goal of knee replacement surgery is to relieve pain and restore function in a knee that’s severely damaged. As the largest joint in your body, the knee is essential to performing many everyday activities. Relieving knee pain and stiffness can dramatically improve your quality of life.

Arthritis is the most common cause of persistent knee pain and restricted mobility. Of the more than 100 types of arthritis, most knee pain is due to three:

• Osteoarthritis, which involves wear-and-tear damage to the cartilage in a joint
• Rheumatoid arthritis, an inflammatory, autoimmune disorder
• Post-traumatic arthritis, which can appear after a serious knee injury

Treating these conditions typically begins with conservative measures like medication and physical therapy.

If you continue to suffer from knee pain and disabling symptoms despite treatment, the team at Alpha Orthopedics & Sports Medicine could recommend knee replacement.

What should I expect during and after knee replacement surgery?

First, your provider at Alpha Orthopedics & Sports Medicine thoroughly reviews your medical history and does a physical exam to ensure that knee replacement surgery is right for you.

The procedure takes place while you’re under a general, regional, or spinal anesthetic. Your surgeon removes the damaged cartilage and bone from your knee and replaces it with a prosthesis. Knee replacement surgery typically takes 1-2 hours.

If you’re a candidate for a minimally invasive partial knee replacement, your surgeon can use the Makoplasty procedure with a robotic arm. Robotic-assisted joint replacement offers enhanced precision and faster, easier recoveries.

To learn more about your options for knee replacement surgery, call Alpha Orthopedics & Sports Medicine or book an appointment online today.