Knee Joint Replacement
Knee Joint Replacement surgery is a specialized procedure used to treat patients who have experienced severe cartilage damage and bone degeneration in the knee area, commonly caused by osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or post-traumatic arthritis. Post-traumatic arthritis in the knee may exist due to a previous injury to the bone, cartilage or a ligament in the knee area.
Knee joint replacement surgery is considered a routine procedure. Most patients who undergo this procedure are over 50 years old, in severe pain, experience difficulty walking and climbing stairs, and are not able to resolve their chronic pain or lack of functionality using non-surgical treatments.
Evaluating A Knee Disorder
An orthopedic doctor will review your medical history and perform a physical examination of the knee. Imaging test will be ordered to assess the extent of damage to bone and soft tissue in the area. A blood test may also be ordered. After the evaluation, treatment options will be discussed.
Most patients with a knee disorder will benefit from non-surgical treatments. Patients with severe bone and/or cartilage damage in the knee may be candidates for the procedures below.
Total Knee Replacement
During a typical Total Knee Joint Replacement (Knee Arthroplasty) procedure, the damaged ends of the femur, tibia and fibula bones are shaved and replaced with a prosthesis. A total knee replacement can be done as an open procedure or using minimally invasive techniques.
The surgical techniques used will depend on your condition. Total knee replacement surgery is done under general anesthesia and requires a hospital stay.
Partial Knee Replacement
A Partial Knee Join Replacement (Unicompartmental Knee Replacement) procedure may be done if arthritic damage to the knee is confined to one part of the knee. A partial knee replacement may be done using minimally invasive surgical techniques. Very few patients are candidates for this surgical procedure.
Kneecap Replacement
During a Kneecap Replacement Procedure (Patellofemoral Arthroplasty), only a portion of the knee is resurfaced. This minimally invasive surgical procedure may be recommended if the damage in the knee is limited to the kneecap and the area of the femur where the kneecap rest. Candidates for this surgery are usually younger and more active.
Knee Revision
A Knee Revision may be needed to correct a failed knee joint replacement. A knee implant may fail due to an infection, injury or wear. A knee joint may be more likely to wear in patients who have had a knee joint replacement who is overweight or participates in high impact activities.
Most knee implants last for 15 to 20 years. A younger patient who has had a knee replacement in the past may need revision surgery because they’ve worn or outlived their implants. Revision surgery may be done on a single or all implants.
Schedule An Appointment With a Knee Specialist
If you are suffering from knee pain or issues related to function and mobility, it’s in your best interest to see an orthopedic knee specialist as soon as possible to avoid further damage. Our orthopedic specialist can recommend the best treatment options available to reduce knee pain and restore functionality. In most cases, our specialist will recommend non-surgical treatment methods to resolve a knee condition. If surgery is required, our orthopedic surgeons offer knee joint replacement surgery and arthroscopic procedures.
The Center For Musculoskeletal Disorders (The CMD) has medical offices in NY and NJ. conveniently located in Queens, NYC, Englewood and Brooklyn.