Knee Replacement Specialist

What are the different types of knee replacement surgery?

Generally, there are four different types of knee replacement surgery:

1. Total knee replacement surgery: By far the most common of the surgeries, total knee replacement surgery replaces the entire joint and the connections to the thigh bone and the shin bone with plastic, ceramic, and metal implants, depending on your needs. If the existing kneecap is healthy, it is not replaced.
   
   
2. Partial knee replacement: If the damage to the knee is confined to one side, and the ligaments in the knee are healthy, a partial replacement or resurfacing of the affected areas can be performed.
   
   
3. Kneecap replacement: This surgery replaces the underside of the kneecap with an artificial implant.
   
   
4. Complex knee replacement: Also referred to as revision knee replacement, this procedure typically is performed after several knee replacements or as the result of severe arthritis, and involves longer stems for stability, replacement of badly damaged bone, and a hinge at the knee.
   
   

After close examination and testing, Dr. Burns helps you figure out the best long-lasting solution for your knee problems.

When is knee replacement surgery necessary?

When it comes to the knees, osteoarthritis is the number one cause of deterioration in the joint. Arthritis wreaks havoc on the cartilage in the knee, which normally provides the cushion between the knee and the bone joints, causing the bones to rub together painfully. The most common treatment for osteoarthritis in the knees is total knee replacement surgery, with over 600,000 performed each year in the United States.

Other reasons for knee replacements are:

• Knee injuries
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Deformities in the knees
• Loss of blood flow in the knees
  
  

If you are experiencing pain in your knees, make an appointment with Dr. Burns to get started on the road to pain-free movement and improved mobility.

How long does recovery take?

The good news is that in recent years, studies have shown that getting back to normal activities is important in the healing process, which is why Dr. Burns likely will have you up and walking within a day or two after surgery. Physical therapy during the early stages also can help speed up recovery time.

Recovery time varies widely between patients of total knee replacement and also depends on the goals for your replacement. Generally, it takes up to three months before you are back to your normal activities, and six months to a year to completely rebuild muscle and strength around the joint.

Dr. Burns will explain the recovery process thoroughly so that you know in advance what to expect.

How long do knee replacements last?

The medical community is constantly improving the materials and techniques in knee replacement surgery, and, as of today, 15 to 20 years is the average for most total knee replacements.