What is total knee replacement?
Total knee replacement is a surgical procedure in which your damaged or deformed knee joint is reshaped, resurfaced, and replaced. Knee replacement surgery, also called arthroplasty, replaces the ends of your tibia and femur with metal alloys and replaces diseased cartilage with high-grade polymers and plastics. Your new artificial knee joint moves smoothly and easily.
When should I get a total knee replacement?
Dr. Woodson only recommends knee arthroplasty if your knee pain and mobility issues don’t respond to other, less invasive procedures. Total knee replacement is a major surgery and has the same risk of complications as other surgeries. You may benefit from total knee replacement if you have:
- Severe osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Post-traumatic arthritis
- Severe knee pain
- Difficulty walking or climbing stairs
- Knee pain even when at rest
- Moderate knee deformity
You shouldn’t have total knee replacement if you have certain infections, knee instability, or a mental or neuromuscular disorder that could affect the stability of the prosthesis.
What happens when I get a total knee replacement?
Dr. Woodson performs knee arthroplasty using the Mako robotic-arm surgical system. First, he makes a CT scan of your damaged or diseased knee. The Mako system translates the CD into a 3-D image so that Dr. Woodson can pre-plan your surgery.
On the day of your operation, while you’re under general anesthesia, he makes small incisions in your knee. He then inserts the miniature camera and tiny, flexible surgical instruments that are attached to the Mako system.
The camera allows Dr. Woodson to see a magnified, 3-D image of the operating area on a screen. He uses highly precise movements to guide the surgical tools as he removes diseased cartilage and bones, preparing them for a Triathlon Total Knee implant. During your recovery period, Dr. Woodson recommends physical therapy.
What’s a Triathlon Total Knee implant?
Unlike traditional knee implants, a Triathlon Total Knee implant is designed to work with your body to provide better mobility and stability. Triathlon Total Knee implants have a circle-like movement, similar to that of a healthy knee. Triathlon Total Knee implant patients showed a high level of satisfaction seven years after their surgery.
For total knee replacement information, call Dr. Woodson’s helpful team today to schedule a consultation.
