Where the femur and tibia meet, cartilage protects the knee joint, allowing it to function without the pain of bone-on-bone interaction. When the knee is healthy and the cartilage is intact, the body functions as it should. We are able to run, walk, jump and change direction all as the weight of our body is properly supported.
But when arthritis sets in, the knee joint can become inflamed and basic movements can become painful. The quality of life for a patient in this position can be greatly improved through knee replacement surgery, also known as knee arthroplasty. But the decision about where to get total knee replacement can be overwhelming. For patients with knee arthritis that required a knee replacement, we recommend calling Rothman Orthopaedic Institute. You’ll be guaranteed to see a physician associated with one of the nation’s top orthopedic programs!
Where to Get Total Knee Replacement Surgery for the Best Result
3 Important Factors to Consider
1. Ask About the Long Term Outlook
No surgeon should be able to guarantee you that your prosthetic knee will last the remainder of your lifetime because there is just no way to guarantee that claim. The long term success of your new joint will depend on a variety of factors and although there are no guarantees, the statistics are positive and impressive:
- 98% chance that your replacement joint will be functioning well after 10 years
- 94% chance that your replacement joint will be functioning well after 20 years
No artificial knee joint is exempt from the average wear and tear of years of use. However, you’ll want to give yourself the best possible chance of having a healthy, functional knee for decades to come. As you research where to get total knee replacement, find out which surgeons have the best track record for successful surgeries completed. Ask for patient testimonials like the story of Jerry, one of
Rothman Orthopaedic Institute’s patient ambassadors.
2. Potential for an Active Lifestyle
The ultimate goal of a knee replacement procedure is to offer patients the ability to return to an active lifestyle, free of pain. Of course, after any major surgery, there is a period of recovery time required, during which knee replacement patients must rest and slowly build strength and flexibility.
Be sure to talk to your physician about the freedom that your new knee will provide. Ask about the potential for regaining full range of motion. Your surgeon should tell you that it is possible to regain as much range of motion as you previously had prior to surgery. If you are getting any other answer, it may be time to reconsider where to get total knee replacement.
3. Avoid Complications
With modern advancements for arthroplasty procedures such as knee replacements, the rate of complications is very low. Serious complications occur in less than 2% of all patients who receive prosthetic knee joints. However, we still recommend reviewing this list with your surgeon and discussing how to avoid these potential problems by identifying which factors are in your control. Possible complications to consider include:
- Infection
- Blood clots
- Implant problems
- Neurovascular injury
When you work with a Rothman Orthopaedic Institute physician, you can rest assured that you’re receiving the best care from world-renowned specialists. If there is one, major factor that is indeed in your control, it is choosing the right care provider!
Remember: choosing the right physician is an important decision. It’s about giving yourself the best chance for a successful surgery, a proactive recovery and a positive long term outlook.
