A modern knee replacement procedure can help restore your quality of life and resolve lingering knee pain once and for all. The team of expert orthopaedic surgeons at Texas Orthopaedic Associates is highly skilled in performing advanced knee replacement surgeries. Schedule your knee replacement evaluation at one of their locations in Dallas, Plano, Weatherford, Keller, or Fort Worth, Texas, by clicking on the online booking feature. You can also call your nearest office directly.
PARTIAL KNEE REPLACEMENT Q&A
Am I a candidate for a knee replacement?
Your knee joint is the largest joint in your body, and you use it with each step you take. Repairing your natural bones and connective tissues is usually the first priority if you have a knee injury or chronic pain-causing condition.
Sometimes though, these treatments and procedures aren’t enough to help your knee heal. A knee replacement surgery might be the best option for you if:
- You have severe arthritic damage
- You have a complex fracture or injury
- Your knee pain worsens or doesn’t improve
- Conservative treatments and therapies are no longer helpful
The type of knee replacement you need just depends on your specific condition or injury. You may only need part of your knee replaced, or the entire joint replaced.
What is the difference between a partial and a total knee replacement?
Because of advancements in modern orthopaedic surgeries, you can sometimes get the knee repairs you need without having to replace the entire joint. A partial knee replacement involves removing degenerated tissue and replacing only the affected portion of your knee cartilage with an artificial component. Generally, you’re only a candidate for a partial knee replacement if you have osteoarthritis that has severely damaged your knee joint.
A total knee replacement, medically known as knee arthroplasty, involves resurfacing your entire knee joint if you have more complex damage or injuries. After removing damaged cartilage from the tips of your femur and tibia bones, your orthopaedic surgeon re-creates the joint surfaces with metal implants. They reshape the underside of your kneecap and insert a plastic spacer, which ultimately replaces your entire knee joint.
Do I need physical therapy after a knee replacement?
Yes. After your knee replacement surgery, you’re probably going to need to stay in the hospital for a few days. During this time, your orthopaedic surgeon from Texas Orthopaedic Associates, encourages you to move your feet and ankles regularly to prevent clotting. You might also be paired with a physical therapist to perform passive exercises throughout the day.
Once you return home after a knee replacement, you need to continue performing your specific exercises several times per day. You’re also going to need to meet with your physical therapist anywhere from 2-4 times per week for at least 4-8 weeks. If you’re wanting to return to exercise or sports after your knee replacement, the team at Texas Orthopaedic Associates, even provides sports conditioning therapy to help you get back in the game as quickly as possible.
Book your knee replacement consultation at Texas Orthopaedic Associates, today. Schedule online or over the phone.