A knee replacement is a surgery that involves replacing the damaged components of the knee joint with artificial components. Severe osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and injuries are the most common reasons why people get knee replacements. These conditions cause significant pain that severely impacts mobility and daily function.
A knee replacement is a major surgery that requires thorough planning. The doctor will ask you several questions to determine if you are right for the procedure. This will cover areas such as your medical history, current levels of pain, function level, and commitment to recovery and rehabilitation.
In this article, we will talk about the 5 things to consider before getting a knee replacement.
1. The Type of Implant and Surgery
An orthopedic surgeon can perform either a partial or total knee replacement. In a total knee replacement, the entire knee joint is replaced with an artificial implant. The type of implant that will be used can vary. You should talk to your doctor about why a certain implant is right for you. Your knee replacement may be performed using a minimally invasive technique, with the use of miniature tools and a camera. Talk to your doctor about the specifics of the implant and surgical technique that will be used, and what that entails.
2. The Reason for Surgery
Knee replacement is usually performed to relieve pain from arthritis or other conditions that damaged the joint beyond natural healing. If your pain can be managed with other treatments, such as medication or physical therapy, you may not need surgery. Surgery should always be considered as a last resort after all other treatment options have been exhausted without success. Before going under the knife, make sure you’ve tried everything else, including but not limited to weight loss, activity modification, physical therapy, and corticosteroid injections.
3. Your Age and Health Status
Knee replacements generally work well for people who are healthy enough to tolerate major surgery and rehabilitation. People over the age of 60 are considered the ideal age for a knee replacement, while those over age 80 or those with serious health problems such as heart disease or lung disease may not be good candidates for this type of procedure.
4. The Recovery Period
Depending on the individual case, full recovery from knee replacement surgery usually takes between three to six months. However, some people may require up to a year before getting back to normal again. Patients who know what to expect after surgery are more likely to be satisfied with the surgical outcomes.
5. The Surgeon’s Experience
When choosing a knee surgeon, it’s important to find one who has significant experience performing knee replacements. Ask about their success and complication rates. Also, ask if they participate in continuing medical education courses on advances in joint replacement surgery. Even if the surgery can be performed with less invasive techniques, the risks are still present, even more so with a less experienced surgeon.
Knee Replacement Surgery in Boynton Beach, FL
Place your trust in the board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons at Personalized Orthopedics of the Palm Beaches. We perform knee replacements on a regular basis and also provide physical therapy services, which we make available on-site. Our team is dedicated to providing you with high-quality, comprehensive orthopedic care in the Palm Beaches. To schedule an appointment with one of our orthopedic surgeons, call our office today. You can also use our online request form.
This article is for general education and is not medical advice. For advice about your condition, talk with your physician. Request an appointment with our team.
