Tag: total knee replacement

After Cortisone: Do I Need Knee Replacement Surgery?

The line for when knee replacement surgery becomes essential has shifted in recent years, as pain management and better therapies have extended the lives of our natural joints. But there comes a time in any patient’s life when she must contend with the question of knee replacement surgery – and wrestle with the pros and cons associated with each.

Total knee replacement surgery has an easier recovery period than it used to, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t work involved. Therapy, exercise, and proper management of the surgical site will still be required, so it’s worth engaging your orthopedist about what to expect moving forward. One article recently described the profile of an ideal TKR patient like this:

The major indication for joint replacement is not being able to deal with the pain anymore. The vast majority of patients after the surgery have significant pain relief and better function. The absolute key to success from this surgery is a motivated patient who works hard with physical therapy to regain range of motion and strength.

Sound like you? Get in touch with the San Diego Orthopedic Surgery Center and we can begin an evaluation right away.

Knee Surgery Continues to Advance

The field of orthopedic knee surgery covers everything from minimally invasive arthroscopic techniques to total knee replacements. Although the majority of procedures we see at my San Diego orthopedic practice fall into the less invasive category, some edge cases will always require more involved interventions.

That’s why we are always monitoring the latest techniques and advances in knee surgery. Although the most common procedures are by now well known and considered safe, innovations continue to develop to cut down on recovery and rehabilitation. Case in point: a new artificial knee that has some patients back to work the very same day.

Of course there are always caveats, and not every candidate will respond in precisely the same way:

Professor Wilkinson adds that the success of a knee replacement also depends on many other factors, including age, weight, how active a person is and their attitude to post- rehabilitation therapy.

We are experienced in total knee replacement procedures, and proud to help many athletes, adults and children regain mobility after a serious injury. If you’re suffering with knee pain and want to learn about the vanguard in orthopedic knee surgery, contact my San Diego practice here today.

The Connection Between Knee Pain and Knee Surgery

As a San Diego orthopedic surgeon in practice for many years, I hear from many patients who don’t fully understand the different types of knee surgery, especially which ones are indicated for which kinds of knee pain.

Visit these pages on my site and you’ll find some quick primers, but what if you want more in-depth definitions? Try this piece, which includes a succinct and accurate rundown of the most common knee surgery procedures:

Arthroscopic surgery. Depending on your injury, your doctor may be able to examine and repair your joint damage using a fiber-optic camera and long, narrow tools inserted through just a few small incisions around your knee. Arthroscopy may be used to remove loose bodies from your knee joint, remove or repair damaged cartilage, and reconstruct torn ligaments.

Partial knee replacement surgery. In this procedure (unicompartmental arthroplasty), your surgeon replaces only the most damaged portion of your knee with parts made of metal and plastic. The surgery can usually be performed with a small incision, and your hospital stay is typically just one night. You’re also likely to heal more quickly than you are with surgery to replace your entire knee.

Total knee replacement. In this procedure, your surgeon cuts away damaged bone and cartilage from your thighbone, shinbone and kneecap, and replaces it with an artificial joint made of metal alloys, high-grade plastics and polymers.

My San Diego orthopedic knee surgery practice offers industry standard approaches to imaging, surgery and aftercare. If you’re experiencing knee pain and want to visit an experienced team today, I urge you to reach out to us here.