We usually depend on our knees far more than we realize. We walk, climb stairs, and lift heavy objects as well as growing, squirming children or grandchildren. In addition to these nearly universal day-to-day activities, you may rely on your knees to support the hobbies you love, from dancing or biking to gardening or even participating in a choir. Because our knees are so ubiquitously involved, we can often take them for granted, and it is only when something starts going wrong that we realize what we might be losing. Injuries and diseases, as well as normal aging processes can take away the normal function of our knees through pain and stiffness. If this is the case for you, you may want to ask your doctor: “Do I need total knee replacement?” Although each situation is different, the knee specialists at Rothman Orthopaedic Institute can help you get started thinking about this question.
What Is Total Knee Replacement?
Before you ask yourself “Do I need total knee replacement,” it is important to understand the procedure that you are considering. When the normal knee cartilage is worn away or significantly damaged, an artificial knee can be implanted to take over its place and work. This prosthesis restores the normal function of the knee while allowing the arthritic or damaged ends of the bones to be replaced by metal and plastic ones. This procedure is both safe and effective, with over 600,000 being performed each year at a nearly unrivaled success rate.
In fact, knee replacement surgery has been practiced for over 50 years, and it has been continually improved with modern medicine and technology. Now, the operation is better equipped than ever to achieve its goals of pain relief and restoration of motion. Perhaps it is time to let this tried and true surgery help you get back to doing the things you love.
Do I Need Total Knee Replacement?
Although total knee replacement is a safe and effective surgery, there may be better, less invasive options for some individuals. So, it is important that you start a conversation with your doctor. Ask him or her, “Do I need total knee replacement surgery?” The answer you receive will depend on a variety of factors, including the extent of your knee injury or degeneration as well as risk factors like your age and overall wellness.
However, if you experience limited mobility and stiffness or constant pain due to arthritis, you may be a good candidate. Alternatively, if you have had severe damage to your knee as a result of a previous injury, or if the site of that injury still causes pain or stiffness, you should also ask your doctor about knee replacement surgery. He or she will be able to help you determine if a total or partial replacement, or another approach entirely, will be provide the best results for you.
Who Can I Trust for Total Knee Replacement?
If your doctor does determine that total knee replacement is the best option for your situation, you need to find a surgeon you can trust. The Rothman Orthopaedic Institute knee surgeons specialize in one area, allowing them to gain the extensive knowledge and experience you want for your total knee replacement. By combining the best of modern medicine and science with a compassionate and respectful approach, our surgeons provide you with the best possible service at every step of your knee replacement process. From your first consultation through surgery and beyond, you can trust our team for the care you need.
For more information about total knee replacement at Rothman Orthopaedic Institute, please contact us today.
