Total Knee Replacement Surgery
A total knee replacement surgery, also known as knee arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure that can help relieve knee pain and restore function. During a total knee replacement, the damaged areas of the knee joint are replaced or resurfaced with artificial materials, such as metal and plastic.
Your knee joint is a hinge joint, and when damage to structures at or around the hinge area results in pain, you may need the joint replaced. A total knee replacement will replace the top hinge area of your knee (the thighbone or femoral component) and the lower hinge area (the shinbone or tibial component).
You can learn more about the total knee replacement procedure by watching the following video:
When Would a Total Knee Replacement Be Appropriate for Me?
The primary symptom that leads to a total knee replacement procedure is pain. If you are a candidate for a total knee replacement procedure, you may experience:
- Knee pain at night that may keep you awake
- Knee pain while walking, standing, bending, or resting
- Limited mobility or range of motion in your knee or knees
Typically, the pain is so severe it is unrelieved by conservative treatments, such as over-the-counter medications, physical therapy, or injections.
To determine if a total knee replacement surgery is the best treatment option for you, your orthopedic surgeon will perform an evaluation of your medical history as well as a physical examination, X-rays, and other tests, such as an MRI scan.
Following the evaluation, your surgeon will discuss whether a total knee replacement is the best treatment to relieve your pain and improve the function of your knee. Additionally, your surgeon will explain the potential risks and complications of a total knee replacement procedure.
What Benefits Does Total Knee Replacement Surgery Offer?
Following a knee replacement surgery, you can expect reduced knee pain and limitation. With your new knee components, the friction and degeneration of structures in your knee will be eliminated and your knee function will be restored.
Because of incisions and adjustment to your new knee, you may experience some tightness and occasional aches postoperatively, but you should expect to return to your favorite activities with more mobility.
Why Choose Southern Indiana Orthopedics?
At Southern Indiana Orthopedics, our joint replacement doctors have years of experience and training in specific joints and procedures. You are in excellent hands with our total knee replacement surgeons, Dr. Douglas Federle, Dr. Cary Guse, Dr. Matthew Lovell, and Dr. Eric Tannenbaum. Our knee replacement specialists are all board-certified in orthopedic surgery or fellowship-trained in advanced treatments and have the specialized knowledge and skills to treat your knee injury or condition individually to meet your needs.
To consult with our Southern Indiana Orthopedics specialists about your treatment options, please request an appointment online or call (812) 376-9353. Our surgeons are available at our main location in Columbus and at our North Vernon, Seymour, or Greensburg outreach clinics.