Knee Replacement Surgery

Knee replacements are one of the most common and successful joint replacement procedures. Surgical materials and techniques have improved over time, contributing to the effectiveness and long-term success of knee replacements.

If knee pain from arthritis or injury interferes with everyday activities, and nonsurgical treatment like medications and physical therapy fail to relieve symptoms, knee replacement surgery may be right for you.

Candidates for Knee Replacement Surgery

Arthritis is the most common cause of chronic pain and disability in the knees. Candidates for knee replacement surgery have arthritis that causes severe pain and stiffness in the knee, making everyday activities difficult. Walking, climbing stairs, and getting in and out of chairs may be painful and difficult, and some patients cannot walk more than a few blocks without increased pain. Some patients even have pain when they are at rest. Chronic inflammation and swelling of the knee may also indicate that surgery is needed if symptoms do not improve. For these patients, conservative treatments do not relieve pain, swelling, and inflammation, and surgery may be the best option.

Knee replacement surgery may also be recommended if there is severe deformity or bowing of the knee. Although most patients who undergo knee replacement surgery are between the ages of 50 - 80, knee replacements have been successful in both younger and older patients.

Types of Knee Replacement Procedures

There are two types of knee replacement procedures that may be recommended based on the location of the patient’s arthritis damage and the quality of the bone in the knee. With a partial or unicompartmental knee replacement, only the damaged portion of the knee is replaced with prosthetics. If bone quality is not good, or arthritis damage is spread throughout the knee, total knee replacement may be recommended.

Partial (Unicompartmental) Knee Replacement

If arthritis damage is limited to only the inner or outer portion, or compartment, of the knee, partial knee replacement may be recommended. With a partial knee replacement, only the damaged compartment is resurfaced with prosthetics.

During the procedure, the surgeon uses special saws to remove damaged cartilage from the affected compartment of the knee, then places metal coverings over the ends of the thighbone and shinbone where they meet at the knee. The metal components are cemented into place, and a plastic spacer is inserted between the two metal components to allow the knee to glide smoothly with movement.

Your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits of surgery, and answer any questions you may have.

Recovery from Knee Replacement Surgery

Patients work with a physical therapist to begin moving the knee as soon as possible after surgery. This will help to prevent stiffness in the knee. Physical therapy will also help to restore range of motion and strength in the knee. Most patients are able to resume normal activities within 6 weeks of surgery.

To ensure the success of your knee replacement procedure, it is important to follow all instructions given to you by your surgeon. Most modern knee replacements function well for years after the procedure.

Knee Replacement Surgery in Beaumont, TX

Our surgeons have trained at world-renowned centers and offer a wide array of surgical treatment options, including knee replacement surgery. If you have any questions about knee replacement surgery at Beaumont Bone and Joint Institute, or would like to schedule an appointment for an evaluation with one of our surgeons, please contact our Beaumont office at (409) 838-0346.