Total Knee Replacement

Are you struggling with chronic knee pain that limits your daily activities? Total knee replacement surgery could be the solution to restore mobility and improve your quality of life.

At Orthopaedic Associates of Zanesville, our experienced team is dedicated to helping you regain a healthy knee and return to the activities you love. Contact our office in Zanesville, Ohio, today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward a pain-free life.

Understanding Total Knee Replacement

Total knee replacement, also known as knee arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure that involves replacing a damaged knee joint with artificial components made of metal and plastic. This surgery aims to relieve pain and restore function in severely diseased or injured knee joints.

The procedure is often recommended when there is a significant loss of cartilage, resulting in a painful, stiff knee that affects your daily activities. The artificial implants used in total knee replacements mimic the natural function of a healthy knee, enabling improved movement and reduced discomfort.

Why is Knee Replacement Surgery Necessary?

Knee replacement surgery becomes necessary when the knee joint is extensively damaged due to conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or traumatic injury. Over time, these conditions lead to the breakdown of cartilage and bone in the joint.

The result is a damaged knee joint that causes chronic knee pain, swelling, and decreased range of motion. In cases where non-surgical options, such as medications, injections, and physical therapy, are no longer effective, total knee replacement surgery is considered the most viable solution to relieve pain and restore function.

Is Total Knee Replacement Right for You?

If you’re dealing with knee pain that hasn’t responded to conservative treatment, you may be a good candidate for knee replacement surgery.

Common signs you may need a total knee replacement include:

Patients who benefit the most from this procedure are typically over the age of 50, although younger patients with a damaged knee joint may also be considered. If you’re considering a joint replacement, schedule a consultation with Orthopaedic Associates of Zanesville to learn more about your options.

The Orthopaedic Evaluation Process

Before undergoing total knee replacement, you’ll receive a full evaluation by an orthopedic surgeon.

This includes:

Medical History Review: Identifying any underlying health conditions that might affect surgery or recovery.
Physical Examination: Checking the strength, range of motion, and stability of your knee.
Imaging Studies: X-rays and sometimes MRI scans are used to assess the severity of joint damage.

This evaluation helps determine if a total knee or partial knee replacement is the best course of action.

Possible Complications of Surgery

While most knee replacements are successful, every surgery carries some risk.

Potential complications of total knee replacement surgery include:

Your surgical team at Orthopaedic Associates of Zanesville will explain how they minimize risks and ensure a safe procedure.

Preparing for Surgery

Being well-prepared can positively impact your recovery after knee replacement surgery.

Steps to take include:

Medical Clearance: Preoperative testing to assess your readiness for surgery.
Medication Adjustments: Certain medications may need to be stopped or altered.
Home Setup: Create a safe environment by removing trip hazards and setting up assistive devices.
Strengthening: Some doctors recommend preoperative exercises to build strength before surgery.

Preparing both physically and mentally can improve your outcomes significantly.

Your Surgery: What to Expect

The procedure for total knee replacement typically takes 1 to 2 hours.

During the surgery:

Damaged cartilage and bone are removed from the surface of the knee joint.
Metal and plastic components are implanted to recreate the surface of the joint.
A plastic spacer is inserted between the components to ensure smooth gliding motion.

Most patients receive general or regional anesthesia and begin rehabilitation shortly after surgery.

Recovery: Surgical Facility and At-Home Care

Recovery from a total knee replacement involves several phases.

Surgical Facility:

Most patients are able to go home on the day of surgery (outpatient surgery).
Some patients may require a short stay in the hospital of 1 to 3 days.
Pain is managed through medications.
A physical therapist will begin working with you on gentle exercises to restore mobility.

At home:

Physical therapy continues several times a week.
Swelling and stiffness gradually improve.
Patients are typically able to resume light activities in 3 to 6 weeks, with full recovery in about 3 to 6 months.

Compliance with rehab is key to regaining function in your knee joint.

Avoiding Problems After Surgery

To ensure long-term success after total knee replacements:

Follow all postoperative care instructions carefully.
Stay active with approved exercises.
Watch for signs of infection like redness, fever, or drainage.
Attend all follow-up appointments.
Maintain a healthy weight to reduce stress on your new joint.

A successful recovery depends not only on the surgery itself but also on your commitment to rehabilitation and preventive care.

Ready to Take the First Step?

If you’re considering total knee replacement to relieve pain and restore your quality of life, Orthopaedic Associates of Zanesville is here to help. Our board-certified orthopedic surgeons are experienced in performing knee replacements and guiding patients through recovery with personalized care.

Whether you’re exploring total or partial knee replacement, contact us today in Zanesville, OH, to schedule your consultation. Let us help you move toward a more active, pain-free life with advanced orthopedic care tailored to your needs.

Medically reviewed by Benjamin R. Pulley, MD, FAAOS

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