Knee Replacement

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Introduction
Types of Knee Replacements
Surgical Approach And Technology: Knee Replacement
Non-Operative Joint Treatments
Joint Replacement Surgery: What To Expect?

Introduction

Knee replacement surgery is the most common joint replacement procedure. A person may be a candidate for knee replacement surgery if their knee has become stiff and painful or if the knee has developed an angular deformity. These include knock knee deformity (genu valgus) and bowlegged deformity (genu varus). An individual may also benefit from knee replacement surgery if their knee is preventing them from engaging in activities that are important to them and other non operative or operative treatments are not working.

When a knee replacement is performed, the bone and cartilage on the end of the thigh bone (femur) and top of the shin bone (tibia) are removed. This is performed using precise instruments to create surfaces that will accommodate the implant perfectly. Computer navigation and robotic technology have wonderfully improved our precision and made the results even more predicable.

A metal implant that is shaped like our natural femur is placed on the femur. A metal tray and plastic insert are implanted on top of the tibia. The underneath surface of the patella or kneecap is also removed and replaced with a plastic button. Now as the new knee moves, only specialized plastic moves against the new metal femoral component and pain is relieved.


Knee replacement surgery is the most common joint replacement procedure. A person may be a candidate for knee replacement surgery if their knee has become stiff and painful or if the knee has developed an angular deformity. These include knock knee deformity (genu valgus) and bowlegged deformity (genu varus). An individual may also benefit from knee replacement surgery if their knee is preventing them from engaging in activities that are important to them and other non operative or operative treatments are not working.

When a knee replacement is performed, the bone and cartilage on the end of the thigh bone (femur) and top of the shin bone (tibia) are removed. This is performed using precise instruments to create surfaces that will accommodate the implant perfectly. Computer navigation and robotic technology have wonderfully improved our precision and made the results even more predicable.

A metal implant that is shaped like our natural femur is placed on the femur. A metal tray and plastic insert are implanted on top of the tibia. The underneath surface of the patella or kneecap is also removed and replaced with a plastic button. Now as the new knee moves, only specialized plastic moves against the new metal femoral component and pain is relieved.

Types of Knee Replacements

  • Total Knee Replacement
  • Partial knee replacement
  • Custom Knee
  • Knee Revision

Knee Revision

The knee is made up of four bones. The femur or thighbone is the bone connecting the hip to the knee. The tibia or shinbone connects the knee to the ankle. The patella (kneecap) (…)

The knee is made up of four bones. The femur or thighbone is the bone connecting the hip to the knee. The tibia or shinbone connects the knee to the ankle. The patella (kneecap)

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Surgical Approach And Technology: Knee Replacement

  • Surgical Approach
  • Computer navigation
  • Robotic Surgery

Robotic Knee Surgery

The RIO® Robotic Arm Interactive Orthopedic System features three dimensional pre-surgical planning. During surgery, the RIO ® provides the surgeon with real-time visual feedback (…)

The RIO® Robotic Arm Interactive Orthopedic System features three dimensional pre-surgical planning. During surgery, the RIO® provides the surgeon with real-time visual feedback

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Non-Operative Joint Treatments

  • Anti-Rheumatic Drugs
  • Steroid shots
  • Additional Supplements​
  • Lubricating Protein

Lubricating Protein

Protein shots are injections of hyaluronic acid injected into the affected arthritic joint. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring lubricating substance (…)

Protein shots are injections of hyaluronic acid injected into the affected arthritic joint. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring lubricating substance

The RIO® Robotic Arm Interactive Orthopedic System features three dimensional pre-surgical planning. During surgery, the RIO® provides the surgeon with real-time visual feedback

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Joint Replacement Surgery: What To Expect?

Pre Operative

Learn more about Pre Operative joint classes, medical clearance requirements, blood donation, medication changes and Pre Op labs needed (...)

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Post Operative

Following the surgery rehabilitation begins immediately. A physical therapist will teach you specific exercises to strengthen your leg and restore knee (…)

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Risk of Joint Replacement

As with any major surgery there are potential risks involved. The decision to proceed with the surgery is made because the advantages of surgery outweigh the risk of (…)

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AAHKS
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
The American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery
HealthGrades Excellence Member

A total hip replacement is one of the most successful operations that orthopedic surgeons perform.  A hip replacement is an elective surgery, which means patients decide if and when to have their hip replaced. As a physician, I never tell patients they have to have a hip replacement surgery, but many times surgery may offer the only possibility for pain relief. Although the surgery is elective, it is covered by most insurance companies; however, depending on your policy you maybe required to make a small co-payment. My philosophy is to give my patients as much information as they need to make informed decisions regarding their health and hip pain and then treat their hip pain according to their wishes.


A hip joint is basically a ball and socket joint.  A hip replacement involves removing the ball (femoral head) and replacing it with a metal prosthetic ball. The femoral prosthesis is inserted into the hollow part of the femoral shaft. The socket of the pelvis is machined into a hemisphere and a metal hemisphere is inserted into the socket. The new metal ball and new metal socket form the new hip joint and allow the same and often times more motion than the native hip joint. The femoral and acetabular prosthesis are attached to your bones by creating a space in the bone that is slightly smaller than the metal prosthesis and then pressing the metal prosthesis into this tight space. Occasionally, the metal prosthesis is attached to the bone with bone cement. The parts are made of stainless steel, titanium, ceramic and/or polyethylene. I typically make an incision about 3-4 inches long for a hip replacement.


The purpose of this web page is to educate patients about the major aspects of hip replacement surgery. Many studies have shown that an informed patient will have less surprises and more satisfaction with their surgery. I do not intend to scare people away from getting their hip pain treated. Although the following information is a reasonable overview of what I consider the major aspects of hip surgery, it is not a substitute for a clinical consultation where I can directly answer your questions. If you would like more information, please schedule an appointment to see me.

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