Knee Replacement Surgery Wylie, TX
Knee Joint Replacement in Wylie, TX
The knee joint is crucial in facilitating leg movement and everyday activities, including walking, running, and climbing stairs. Unfortunately, sports injuries, wear and tear, and degenerative joint conditions can severely impair function in the knee, often resulting in serious physical pain.
If you are suffering from limited mobility or severe knee pain, you may want to consider knee replacement, which replaces the damaged parts of your knee to allow for easier, more comfortable joint movement. The Wylie orthopedic surgeons at SPORT Orthopedics + Physical Therapy specialize in a variety of knee procedures, including knee replacement surgeries.
We understand that knee pain and knee injuries can decrease your overall quality of life. That’s why our orthopedic specialists are dedicated to providing the residents of Wylie, TX, with expert knee replacement surgeries aimed at restoring functionality, mobility, and strength to the knee.
Want to learn more about knee replacement surgery? Call (469) 200-2832 to schedule an appointment with us regarding the condition of your knee.
What Is Knee Replacement Surgery?
Knee replacement surgery, also known as knee arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to relieve pain and improve function in the knee joint. It’s often performed on individuals with severe knee joint damage or degenerative conditions like osteoarthritis, and is often performed by an orthopedic surgeon.
Normally, the surfaces of the thigh bone (femur) and shin bones (fibula and tibia) are protected by cartilage, a cushion-like tissue, which allows the bones in the knee to bend like a hinge. When this cartilage degrades, however, it can cause the bones to grind against each other, which can lead to limited mobility and joint pain.
In a knee replacement surgery, the bottom of the femur and the top of the shin bones are replaced with artificial implants made of metal alloys, high-grade plastics, or ceramic materials. These allow the bones in the knee to move more freely and with less pain.
What Knee Joint Conditions Can Knee Replacement Surgery Be Used to Treat?
There are a number of different conditions that may require knee replacement surgery to treat. Below are some of the most common conditions that knee replacement is used to treat.
Knee Pain
Persistent knee pain can significantly impact daily activities, including walking, climbing stairs, participating in sports, and even just resting. When other pain relief interventions fail, those with chronic or severe knee pain may want to consider knee replacement surgery.
Osteoarthritis
Another common condition that knee replacement can treat is knee osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that causes the cartilage in a joint to break down, leading to pain, loss of mobility, and stiffness.
Unlike rheumatoid arthritis, which is an autoimmune condition, osteoarthritis is caused by general wear and tear to the joints. When osteoarthritis appears in the knee joints, it can prevent people from walking, running, climbing, and engaging in a variety of other activities.
By replacing damaged joint surfaces with prosthetic components, this surgery can compensate for the lost or damaged cartilage, allowing the knee to bend freely and without pain.
Fractures
When the bones in and around the knee joint are fractured, it can seriously impair joint function and cause significant pain. This is especially true for patellar fractures, or kneecap fractures. If non-surgical treatments don’t restore function to the knee, knee replacement surgery may be a viable treatment option.
This procedure can help stabilize the knee joint, restore alignment, and alleviate pain, enabling patients to regain mobility and function after a fracture.
Types of Knee Replacement in Wylie
There are a number of different kinds of knee replacement surgeries available, all of which can serve a variety of purposes. An orthopedic specialist can help you understand what kind of joint replacement surgery would work best for you, your physiology, your knee condition, and your personal surgery goals.
Below are the different kinds of knee replacement surgeries our surgeons at SPORT can provide to the residents of Wylie, TX.
Total Knee Replacement Surgery
Total knee replacement surgery, also known as total knee arthroplasty, involves replacing the entire knee joint with artificial components. This procedure is typically recommended for individuals with advanced osteoarthritis or other conditions that affect their entire knee joint.
Partial Knee Replacement Surgery
Partial knee replacement surgery, or unicompartmental knee arthroplasty, is a minimally invasive procedure aimed at replacing only the damaged portion of the knee joint. Partial knee replacements are suitable for those with localized knee arthritis or those with specific knee joint compartments that have been affected by disease or injury.
Bilateral Knee Replacement Surgery
Bilateral knee replacement surgery involves replacing both knees during a single surgical procedure. This is often recommended for those with severe knee arthritis or joint degeneration in both knees. Additionally, having both knees replaced at the same time can cut down on a patient’s overall recovery time, allowing them to regain function in both knees after just one recovery period.
Robotic Knee Replacement Surgery
Today, a number of knee replacements are robot-assisted, potentially providing more accurate surgeries and better outcomes. At SPORT, we’re proud to offer robotic knee replacement surgeries to the residents of Wylie, TX, and beyond.
Mako Knee Replacement Surgery
At SPORT, our robotic knee replacement surgeries are carried out using the Stryker Mako robotic arm, which is designed to improve the accuracy of the surgery. After scanning the knee, a 3D model of the knee is made, so that the orthopedic surgeon can determine exactly where the knee replacement implant will go and plan the surgery before it ever happens.
During surgery, the surgeon has full control over the robotic arm, and will be present throughout the entire procedure. The robotic arm simply prevents the surgeon from moving the surgical instruments outside of the pre-planned surgical area, preventing unnecessary bone and tissue damage during the procedure.
How Long Does Knee Replacement Surgery Take?
In general, your knee replacement surgery should take about 1 to 2 hours to complete. However, knee replacement surgery times can vary from patient to patient, so it’s important to speak with your knee surgeon regarding the expected length of the procedure. Your surgery may last a bit longer if your knee is severely damaged or complications arise during your procedure.
Knee Replacement Surgery Recovery Timeline
After knee replacement surgery, your recovery time can be affected by the nature of your procedure, the severity of your knee injury or joint damage, and the skill of our orthopedic surgeons. However, your recovery will likely follow the same general trajectory as other knee replacement patients.
Normally, after your surgery is complete, you’ll be taken to an outpatient observation area and monitored for a few hours to ensure you recover from the anesthesia well. From there, you’ll either be brought to a hospital room for overnight observation or you’ll be sent home.
For the first few days, you’ll focus on pain management and wound care, and may be asked to participate in very light exercises to promote circulation. After that, you’ll likely start physical therapy, which will help you regain strength, flexibility, and mobility in your knee joint.
Over the following weeks and months, you can gradually increase your activity levels and work toward achieving full recovery, which can take anywhere from three to six months. Before your knee surgery, your surgeon will give you a projected timeline for your recovery, ensuring you are fully informed of how long your recovery may take.
What to Expect One Year After Total Knee Replacement
After a full year, most patients are fully recovered from their surgery and have full strength in their knee, allowing them to return to their normal activities. While some residual stiffness or mild discomfort may persist, the majority of patients enjoy a substantial increase in their range of motion and overall knee function.
Physical Therapy After Knee Replacement
Physical therapy is an essential part of the knee replacement recovery process. A physical therapist will work with you to develop a unique exercise plan that’s specially designed to help you regain function and strength in your knee.
By attending your Wylie physical therapy appointments, you can ensure that your recovery is as smooth and successful as possible, allowing you to regain full motion and function in your knee.
How Long Does a Knee Replacement Last?
On average, a knee replacement implant can last 15 to 20 years without the need for revision surgery or implant replacement. However, the longevity of a knee replacement can vary depending on factors such as the patient’s age, their activity level following their surgery, and the type of implant used.
Regular follow-up appointments with healthcare providers and adherence to post-operative guidelines can help ensure your implant lasts as long as possible.
What Are the Risks Associated With Knee Replacement Surgery?
Like any surgical procedure, knee replacement surgery carries a few risks. The most common risks associated with knee replacement include:
- Infection
- Blood clots
- Nerve damage
- Blood vessel damage
- Implant rejection
- Implant loosening
- Allergic reactions
- Persistent pain post-surgery
In order to determine whether or not knee replacement is the best option for you, your knee surgeon will weigh the risks and benefits of the procedure. This will ensure you are only exposed to these risks if the benefits of undergoing knee replacement outweigh the risks.
Are There Any Permanent Restrictions After Knee Replacement?
There are very few permanent changes you’ll have to make to your life following your knee replacement. However, knee replacement patients should avoid engaging in long-distance running, even after their knee has fully healed. This can compromise the implant or lead to further complications.
How Long Does It Take to Walk Normally After Knee Replacement?
After knee replacement, patients can walk on their own 6 weeks after their surgery, and may be able to walk normally within a few months of their procedure. In the meantime, patients will likely need a walker or crutch in order to walk from place to place.
Regular participation in physical therapy and adherence to post-operative guidelines can help expedite the recovery process.
What Is the Most Commonly Reported Problem After Knee Replacement Surgery?
After knee replacement, one of the most commonly reported issues patients experience is stiffness and limited mobility. While many patients experience significant pain relief following surgery, some may continue to experience mild to moderate discomfort, stiffness, or swelling in the operated knee, especially during the early stages of recovery. However, this discomfort typically improves over time.
Contact SPORT Orthopedics + Physical Therapy Today for Knee Replacement in Wylie
If you suffer from severe knee pain, have osteoarthritis, or have sustained a serious sports injury, contact the Wylie orthopaedic specialists at SPORT Orthopedics + Physical Therapy today. Our orthopedic surgeons have experience performing a variety of knee procedures, including knee replacement surgeries.
At SPORT, we’re dedicated to providing the residents of Wylie, TX, with personalized care and comprehensive treatment options for their knee pain and discomfort. Whether you’re considering knee replacement surgery or seeking other pain management strategies, we’re here to help.
Call us at (469) 200-2832 or schedule an appointment with us online and take your first step toward recovery.
