Understanding Total Knee Replacement

Why Total Knee Replacement?

Of all the joints in your body, your knees probably take the biggest beating. Not only do they need to support your weight and carry you throughout the day, but they also need to bend and flex many times each day - every time you sit, stand or take a step. It’s no surprise, then, that knee replacement surgery is becoming increasingly common, especially among younger patients who just aren’t willing to give up or decrease their activities to reduce their symptoms.

For years, knee replacement surgery has helped patients overcome painful knee joint symptoms, and thanks to advances in both implant technology and surgical techniques, today the procedure is simpler and safer than ever.

When Is Total Knee Replacement Performed?

While knee replacement surgery can be performed to correct joint damage from a traumatic injury or accident, most people who have the surgery have joint damage due to progressive deterioration from osteoarthritis. Arthritis typically occurs as a result of years of wear and tear on the joint surfaces. Over time, the slick cartilage that lines and covers the joint surfaces degrades and breaks down. Friction inside the joint increases, and pain, stiffness and inflammation occur.

In the early stages of arthritis, symptoms may be relieved with physical therapy and medications. But over time, the cartilage can continue to wear away, increasing joint symptoms while decreasing patient mobility. That’s when total knee replacement surgery can help.

What Happens During Knee Replacement Surgery?

Two major bones comprise the knee joint - the thigh bone (or femur) and the shin bone (or tibia). During surgery, both joint surfaces are replaced using specially-designed components designed to restore the joint’s normal function and range of motion.

In most patients, knee replacement surgery can be performed using minimally-invasive techniques that rely on several smaller incisions instead of using a large incision to access the joint. Once the incisions are made, the surgeon will remove the damaged portions of the joint and replace them with artificial components. In some patients, the underside of the knee bone (or patella) also will be resurfaced. Finally, a special “spacer” component will be inserted between the surfaces of the implant components to facilitate smooth, natural motion in the joint. Once the surgeon confirms the placement of the implants, the incisions will be closed and you’ll be moved to a recovery area for a brief time for evaluation before being discharged.

What Happens During Recovery?

For some patients, total knee replacement can be peformed in an outpatient setting, which means patients are able to return home the same day. And that can leave many patients feeling uncertain about what they should and shouldn’t do once they return home to ensure their recovery proceeds as smoothly and successfully as possible.

At Muve Lakeway ASC, we offer patients a second choice when they are discharged from our surgery center - a stay in our Muve Lakeway Stay Suites environment, a custom-built environment designed to provide patients with the individualized attention, education and protective oversight they need to support a healthy, strong recovery, right from the start.

From the moment you check in to Muve Lakeway Stay Suites, you'll begin working one-on-one with physical therapists and other Home Health team members who are focused on the care and recovery process. During the two-day stay, you'll also receive ongoing evaluations and assessments to customize your recovery goals specifically for your needs, helping you play a more active role in your recovery right after surgery and during the weeks of healing that follow.

Learn More About Total Knee Replacement.

Knee joint replacement plays a vital role in helping men and women stay active and enjoy their lives - without joint pain and disability. At Muve Lakeway ASC and Muve Lakeway Stay Suites, our surgical and Muve Home Health teams provide a truly patient-centered experienced designed to empower our patients, enabling them to adjust to their new joint more quickly so they can get back to the activities they love. To learn more about knee joint replacement surgery and how it can help you enjoy a more active lifestyle - without pain - call Muve Lakeway ASC today at (512) 357 8220 or use our online contact form and we’ll be in touch.

*Professional Services are provided by independent physicians.

This blog post is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.