Knee Replacement

What is knee replacement?

Knee replacement is a type of orthopedic surgery that replaces damaged or diseased bone and cartilage with a prosthesis. It’s an easy way to relieve knee pain, correct leg deformities, and help you resume your normal activities.

Most knee injuries respond well to conservative treatments, like ice, rest, and physical therapy. If your pain gets worse or interferes with your daily routine, make an appointment at Nevada Orthopedic & Spine Center.

Why would I need a knee replacement?

The leading cause of chronic knee pain and disability is arthritis. The team at Nevada Orthopedic & Spine Center regularly diagnoses and treats knee pain caused by:

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis occurs when your cartilage –– a soft, cushion-like substance that pads your joints –– wears away, leaving your bones to rub against each other. Over time, it results in pain, stiffness, and mobility issues.

Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis develops because your immune system attacks the lining of your joints (synovial membrane). This causes your synovial membrane to swell and thicken, resulting in a loss of motion, pain, and stiffness.

Post-traumatic arthritis

Post-traumatic arthritis occurs due to a serious knee injury, like a torn ligament or crushed kneecap. Damage to any of these hard or soft tissues can result in chronic pain and mobility challenges.

What does a knee replacement procedure involve?

The team at Nevada Orthopedic & Spine Center performs knee replacement surgery at the hospital. 

On the day of your operation, you check into the hospital and meet with a member of the anesthesia team. Following a brief exam and a discussion of your goals, they determine the type of anesthesia that will most benefit you. 

The knee replacement procedure takes 1-2 hours. Your surgeon makes a series of small incisions near your knee and carefully removes the damaged bone and cartilage using special tools. Next, your surgeon inserts the prosthetic joint and positions it to restore the function and alignment of your knee.

Following surgery, you’re moved to a recovery room for monitoring. Most people stay in the hospital for 2-3 days, but it could take up to a week.

What is recovery like following knee replacement?

Following knee replacement surgery, closely follow your surgeon’s recovery instructions. Take your medications as prescribed, attend each of your physical therapy appointments, and ease back into activity. Most people are able to return to exercise 3-6 weeks after their operation.

To see if you can benefit from knee replacement, make an appointment at Nevada Orthopedic & Spine Center. Click the online scheduling feature, or call the nearest office today.