Knee Replacement Surgery (Arthroplasty)
Because the knee is the largest joint in the body, knee problems are a common occurrence. When you are suffering from severe knee pain and you’ve exhausted all conservative methods of pain management, knee replacement surgery might be your next step. Whether your pain comes from an injury, normal wear and tear, or it is hereditary, I am here to help.
As an orthopedic surgeon and specialist in hip and knee replacement surgery in Colorado Springs, I understand the anxiety people have when considering surgery for anything. It is a big decision. Knee replacement surgery, however, has become one of the most common types of surgery for people with osteoarthritis and has a very high success rate.
While knee replacement surgery is routine for me, I understand that it is something you may only do once in your lifetime. When you visit my office, the first thing we’ll do is review your history and any tests you’ve had. If needed, we’ll order tests and x-rays. We’ll ensure that all the conservative options for treating your knee pain have been exhausted prior to exploring surgery.
Once it is clear surgery is the right option, we’ll talk through the process, so you’ll know what to expect. And, most important I will listen to your concerns and make sure to answer all the questions you have. Our goal is to ensure that you are as comfortable with your decision as possible.
Robotic Knee Replacement
In Colorado Springs, I am one of a few doctors who perform robotic knee replacement surgery (also called Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted Total Knee replacement.) The Mako robotic arm can be used for total knee replacement or partial knee replacement.
Robotic knee replacement uses a CT Scan to create a personalized replacement plan based on your unique bone structure. This allows for more accurate bone removal and implant replacement. This technique reduces the risk of injury to adjacent tissues and creates smaller incisions which can mean a quicker recovery and less pain.
Tourniquet-less Knee Replacement
Because my goal in all surgeries is to ensure the quickest recovery and least pain, I perform knee replacement surgery without a tourniquet. While using a tourniquet in knee replacement surgery is common practice it has downsides including pain in the thigh after surgery, tissue damage, the risk of bleeding, and the risk of clots forming post-surgery. In my experience, and backed by a number of studies, including this 2014 study, patients who have tourniquet-less knee replacement surgery have less pain immediately following surgery. They need fewer pain meds and have a greater knee range of motion in the days immediately following surgery.
Knee Revision Surgery
When a person has had total knee replacement surgery that was either not done right or ended in infection of the knee or generated excessive scar tissue, knee revision surgery is required to correct the issues or remove the infection.
Typically, total knee replacement will last up to 20 years. After 20 years of use the implants can begin to wear or loosen. This can cause the patient’s knee to swell, become stiff, unstable and painful. To correct this revision surgery is performed to replace any mis-fitting or warn parts.
Knee revision surgery is more complex than the original knee replacement surgery. Although you may have had all three parts of the knee replaced originally, knee revision surgery may only be required on some of the parts. Additionally, bone around the knee may have deteriorated and need to be augmented.
Ensuring the Success of Your Surgery
One of the major complications that can occur following knee surgery is infection. To ensure the success of your surgery I do everything that has been shown to be effective to minimize the possibility of infection. Because of this my infection rate is 1/32 of the national average or 1/4 of one percent.
Find Out If Knee Replacement Surgery is Right for You
To find out if knee replacement surgery is the right next step for you, schedule an appointment with my office today. Call (719) 632-7669
Frequently Asked Questions About Knee Replacement Surgery
- You’ve tried all conservative possibilities for treatment, and nothing is getting better.
- Your pain is so severe that it prevents you from doing the daily activities you enjoy most.
- You have knee pain day and night even while you are resting.
- You have swelling that doesn’t respond to medication.
- Your leg is bowed out.
- Medication doesn’t relieve your pain.
What is knee replacement surgery- Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ)