What to Expect from Knee Replacement Surgery

The goal of knee replacement surgery is to decrease pain and improve function of the joint. Before you undergo the procedure, Dr. Berry will take your medical history and conduct a physical exam that includes X-rays and MRI to assess the damage to your knee. He will also test the strength of the muscles supporting your knee and how well you can flex the joint.

Depending on the extent of damage inside your knee joint, Dr. Berry may recommend a total or partial knee replacement. Total knee replacement is performed when all three compartments of your joint have arthritis damage. Partial knee replacement, or unicompartmental knee replacement, may be preferred if arthritis is confined to only one area of the knee joint.

The surgery usually takes one to two hours and can be performed in one of two ways. With a traditional open approach, Dr. Berry will make an 8- to 10-inch incision in the front of the knee, remove the damaged part of the joint, and replace it with the artificial implant. If he uses a minimally invasive approach, he will make one or two smaller incisions (four to six inches), resulting in less damage to muscles and tendons.

If you are otherwise healthy, you may qualify to have knee replacement performed as a same-day outpatient procedure without a hospital stay. If performed in the hospital, you may have to stay for at least one to four days. Either way, you can expect to be on your feet within a day with the aid of crutches, a walker, or a cane.
Knee replacement patients can expect a noticeable improvement in flexibility and far less pain within a month. However, exercising your knee is important to reduce swelling and strengthen your muscles, which is why post-operative physical therapy is critical to a successful recovery.

If you suffer debilitating knee arthritis and other treatments have failed to provide relief, it may be time for a knee replacement. For the area’s leading knee replacement surgeon, contact SPORT today. We have two offices to serve you in Dallas and Frisco. Dr. Berry will let you know which surgical approach is best for you and explain the procedure in detail. To schedule an appointment, call (469) 200-2832 or use our convenient online form.