Total Knee Replacement
What is a knee replacement?
It is one of the most common arthroplasty procedures (joint function restoration surgery) performed annually. The surgeons will first make an incision in the knee and moves the patella (kneecap). Then, the menisci between the femur (thigh bone) and tibia (shin bone) are removed with some underlying bone. Depending on the surgeon’s discretion, the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) may be removed. Afterwards, ceramic or metal-alloy implants are then cemented or press-fit to create an artificial joint by replicating the protuberances found on the femur and tibia – those articulate, or are in contact with each other to generate movement. Our surgeons boast thousands of knee replacements done between each other. They strive for personalized and evidence-based treatments to return you, the patient, to a life without pain and active living.
Who needs a knee replacement?
Osteoarthritis remains the primary factor behind a patient’s knees degenerating as they age. They begin feeling pain as their cartilage wears out with age, overuse, or improper technique. Patients subsequently experience stiffness and/or pain that limits them from performing daily activities. This includes walking, going up and down stairs, and standing up and sitting down. Patients typically report that pain is exacerbated when performing these day-to-day actions. Consistent inflammation, unique knee anatomy, and failure to respond to conservative treatments like: physiotherapy, cortisone injections and other anti-inflammatory medicine may be a reason for a patient to pursue elective surgery.
More about knee replacements...
The surgeon will also evaluate if other concerning pathologies are present (e.g. bone spurs) and subsequently treat the affected areas. The kneecap may be resurfaced or replaced as well on a unique patient basis. After the procedure, patients have their skin sutured, bandaged, and are taken to recovery. They are then monitored by the staff at our clinic as they progress through their physiotherapy to move in a biomechanically safe manner to ensure a healthy and safe return to the activities, sports and life they had prior to their condition.
Life after knee replacements...
An overwhelming majority of knee replacements are fully functional 15-20 years later even after the surgery is performed! Patients also notice a relief in pain and walk without any noticeable limp or cane/walker. They also eventually return to previous and healthy knee motion (both flexion and extension).