TOTAL & PARTIAL KNEE REPLACEMENT
Knee replacement is the best option for patients suffering from end-stage knee arthritis who remain limited despite appropriate nonsurgical management. Depending on the pattern of arthritis, you may be a candidate for either total or partial knee replacement. Knee replacement surgery is very effective at improving pain and mobility. However, you should not expect a knee replacement to feel like a 'normal, natural knee' and will likely always perceive having an artificial knee.
Who is a candidate for knee replacement surgery?
Patients with end-stage arthritis of the knee who remain limited despite appropriate nonsurgical treatment. Nonoperative treatment may include physical therapy, weight loss, bracing, injections (corticosteroid and/or visco), and radiofrequency ablation.
What about partial knee replacement?
Patients whose arthritis is limited to one compartment of the knee (typically the medial/inner aspect of the knee) may be candidates for partial knee replacement. The benefits of partial replacement include quicker recovery and a more “natural-feeling” knee due to preservation of ligaments and bone. However, patients need to meet certain criteria to be a good candidate for this surgery. Otherwise, there is a high risk of failure and needing additional surgery.
What is unique about my approach to knee replacement?
Robotic-assisted knee replacement
helps achieve ideal alignment and balance
Spinal anesthesia
minimize nausea, less cognitive impact
Proven implants
Rapid recovery protocols and multimodal pain control
discharge within 24 hours of surgery
Subcuticular skin closure
No suture/staple removal, cosmetic scar
Expertise with revision surgery
What are the risks of knee replacement surgery?
Knee replacement is usually a very successful surgery for appropriately selected patients. However, there are risks - as with any procedure - that you should be aware of prior to having surgery. Fortunately, most of these complications are very rare (less than 1%), especially in the hands of a well-trained surgeon. I feel strongly that all patients should understand these risks beforehand. These include, but are not limited to:
Infection ܁ Fracture of the bone around the implants ܁ Stiffness ܁ Loosening of the implants ܁
Wear of the polyethylene liner ܁ Nerve injury ܁ Medical/anesthetic complications
Robotic Knee Replacement
Robotics is a tool to assist the surgeon in achieving a knee replacement with ideal alignment and balance. This may result in better outcomes and a longer-lasting knee. The system that I utilize is unique in that it does not require a preoperative CT scan or MRI, which can be both expensive and expose the patient to unnecessary radiation.