Proper functioning knees are essential for your mobility. However, if you suffer from severe knee conditions such as total knee replacement, you require total knee replacement. The orthopedic surgery team at Ortho 1 Medical Group provides total knee replacement to help patients restore a smooth knee function. Call the office in Chula Vista or La Jolla, California, or schedule an appointment via the online scheduler to get started.
What Exactly Is Total Knee Replacement?
This surgery involves removing the damaged joint materials such as the cartilage and bone and replacing them with artificial parts. The procedure substitutes the three main parts of your knee including; the outer knee (lateral compartment), the inner knee (medial compartment), and the front of the knee (patellofemoral compartment).
When Should You Undertake a Total Knee Replacement?
Osteoarthritis is the main cause of the need to undertake total knee replacements. The disease involves breaking down the cartilage between bones over the years. Eventually, this leaves the bones which make up your joints fully unprotected. The bones grind or rub together anytime you use the joint resulting in significant pain, movement difficulties, and stiffness. The other common types of arthritis that might need knee replacement include; post-traumatic arthritis that develops after an injury and rheumatoid or inflammatory arthritis.
What Should You Expect During a Total Knee Replacement?
Your orthopedic surgeon eliminates the worn-down cartilage at your knee joints during a total knee replacement surgery. The specialist will also remove some of the bone under the cartilage before inserting the metal implants. These implants are the same size as your natural joint surface; hence fit the joint surface perfectly. The surgeons use cement to secure the implants and press-fit implants with small holes for the surrounding bone to maintain their placement and grow through.
The orthopedics might also resurface the kneecap by placing a spacer between the metal parts. It takes on the function of the eliminated cartilage and acts as a cushion to absorb shock when you start moving with your new knee. After everything is in place, the surgeon will move your leg in several ways to ensure you have a proper motion range and flexibility. If needed, they might make adjustments before finishing the procedure and closing the incisions.
Is Total Knee Replacement the Right Surgery for You?
Now that you understand the total knee replacement procedure, you probably wonder if you are the right candidate for the surgery. Total knee replacement surgery may be the right option for you if;
- Your symptoms don’t respond to non-surgical care
- You suffer from severe stiffness, pain, and a range of motion problems
- You have prevalent knee osteoarthritis
- You experience pain even when you are resting
Most patients who opt for total knee replacement struggle to climb stairs, walk short distances and stand up. To get around, you may need mobility help, such as a walker or cane.
Total knee replacement can help restore your movements and ease the pain. Call or schedule an appointment online today.
