Knee pain resulting from injuries or arthritis can make everyday activities
much more difficult and can even keep you up at night. When non-operative
treatments such as medications, activity modification, and the use of
walking supports no longer relieve your knee pain and your limited level
of activity is keeping you from things you enjoy, it may be time to consider
knee replacement surgery.
Sauk Prairie Healthcare's Joint Health Center offers both total knee replacement
and partial knee replacement surgery. Many factors will determine which
treatment option is best for you. Your surgeon will perform a complete
evaluation and discuss your knee replacement options with you.
Sauk Prairie Healthcare provides
robotic-assisted knee replacement surgery using the the VELYS™ Robotic-Assisted Solution. Your surgeon utilizes
this technology during your procedure to enhance the accuracy and precision
of your knee replacement to help you start moving again.
Total Knee Replacement
A
total knee replacement is really a bone and cartilage replacement with an artificial surface.
The knee itself is not replaced, as is commonly thought, but rather an
implant is inserted on the bone ends. This is done with a metal alloy
on the femur and plastic spacer on the tibia and patella (kneecap). This
creates a new, smooth cushion and a functioning joint that can reduce
or eliminate pain.
With total knee replacement, the diseased bone and cartilage are removed
and resurfaced with orthopedic implants designed to recreate the natural
contours of healthy bones. Much like natural cartilage, the metal and
polyethylene (plastic) knee replacement implants allow the bones to smoothly
glide against each other.
Partial Knee Replacement
The partial knee implant is a unique alternative to total knee replacement
for people whose disease is limited to just one area of the knee. Designed
to repair only the medial portion of the knee, the partial knee replacement
is less invasive than total knee replacement which typically means less
post-operative pain and more rapid recovery.
Joint cartilage is a tough, smooth tissue that covers the ends of bones
where joints are located. It helps cushion the bones during movement,
and because it is smooth and slippery, it allows for motion with minimal
friction. Osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, is a wear-and-tear
condition that destroys joint cartilage. Sometimes as the result of trauma,
repetitive movement, or for no apparent reason, the cartilage wears down,
exposing bone ends. This can occur quickly over months or may take years
to occur. Cartilage destruction can result in painful bone-on-bone contact,
along with swelling and loss of motion. Osteoarthritis usually occurs
later in life and may affect only one joint or many joints.
What are the results of total knee replacement?
Results vary depending on the quality of the surrounding tissue, the severity
of the arthritis at the time of surgery, the patient's activity level,
and the patient's adherence to the doctor's orders.
When should I have knee replacement surgery?
Your Orthopedic surgeon will decide if you are a candidate for the surgery.
This will be based on your history, exam, X-rays, and response to conservative
treatment. The decision will then be yours.
Am I too old for knee replacement surgery?
Age is generally not a factor if you are in reasonable health and have
the desire to continue living a productive, active life. You may be asked
to see your personal physician for his/her opinion about your general
health and readiness for surgery.
How long will my new knee last and will I need a second replacement?
All implants have a limited life expectancy depending on an individual's
age, weight, activity level, and medical condition(s). A total joint implant's
longevity will vary in every patient. It’s important to remember
that an implant is a medical device subject to wear that may lead to mechanical
failure. While it is important to follow all of your surgeon's recommendations
after surgery, there is no guarantee that your particular implant will
last for any specific length of time.
Why might I require revision knee replacement surgery?
Just as your original joint wears out, a joint replacement will wear over
time as well. The most common reason for revision is loosening of the
artificial surface from the bone. Wearing of the plastic spacer may also
result in the need for a new spacer. Your surgeon will explain the possible
complications associated with total knee replacement.
What to Expect of Knee Replacement Surgery at Sauk Prairie Healthcare
When you have knee replacement surgery at Sauk Prairie Healthcare’s
Joint Health Center, you can expect to be actively involved in your treatment
through each step of the program. Preparation, education, continuity of
care, and a pre-planned discharge are essential for the best results.
Every detail, from pre-operative teaching to post-operative exercising,
is considered and reviewed with you. Our Orthopedics Nurse Navigator will
be a resource for you, assisting by coordinating all pre-operative care
and discharge planning.
Our team approach to care makes Sauk Prairie Healthcare's Joint Health
Center unique. By incorporating family involvement, patients are encouraged
and motivated in their recovery. We encourage you to have a family member
or friend be your “coach” to help you stay on track as you
recover from surgery.
Before your knee replacement surgery, we will set you up on our Guided
Care Path, an online tool for you and your coach to follow from six weeks
pre-op until three months post-op and beyond. The Guided Care Path is
designed to help you know what to expect every step of the way, what you
need to do, and how to care for your new knee.
Physical therapy is very important when you have knee replacement surgery.
We get you out of bed the same day as surgery to take small steps. The
next morning, we start you walking, then it’s group therapy twice
a day, as well as individual walking goals. All of our hip replacement
and knee replacement patients have physical therapy together, which helps
to motivate everyone to do their exercises and reach their goals.
Sauk Prairie Healthcare's Joint Health Center offers both total knee replacement
and partial knee replacement surgery. Many factors will determine which
treatment option is best for you. Your surgeon will perform a complete
evaluation and discuss your knee replacement options with you.
Foot & Ankle Surgery, Orthopedic Surgery, OrthopedicsView Profile
