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Total knee replacement is one of the most common orthopedic procedures. In fact, more than 850,000 Americans undergo the operation each year. At NeuroSpine Center of Wisconsin, with offices in Appleton, Oshkosh, North Fond du Lac, Fond du Lac, and Bellevue, Wisconsin, the skilled team specializes in total knee replacement. They use a minimally invasive approach that reduces pain, prevents complications, and restores mobility within weeks. Call the nearest NeuroSpine Center of Wisconsin office to schedule a total knee replacement consultation, or book your appointment online today.
What is total knee replacement?
Total knee replacement is an orthopedic procedure that replaces your entire knee joint with an artificial prosthesis.
The process relieves pain, restores mobility, and improves your quality of life. It also reduces the risk of complications associated with common orthopedic conditions, such as arthritis and sports injuries.
When should I consider total knee replacement?
If you have chronic knee pain that doesn’t improve with conservative treatments like rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain medication, consider undergoing a total knee replacement procedure. This is particularly true if your pain occurs alongside stiffness, swelling, or poor mobility.
Am I a candidate for total knee replacement?
Before recommending total knee replacement, your NeuroSpine Center of Wisconsin provider reviews your medical records, asks about your symptoms, and completes a physical exam.
Tell them if you have an underlying medical condition, like heart disease or diabetes, and if you use tobacco. These things won’t necessarily prevent you from surgery, but they can increase the risk of complications, so the team must be aware.
Next, your provider orders lab tests, including blood work and urinalysis. They also complete knee X-rays to get a comprehensive view of your knee joint.
What happens during total knee replacement?
Total knee replacement is an outpatient procedure that takes 1-2 hours.
On the day of your operation, your surgeon administers general anesthesia to put you to sleep.
Then, they make several small incisions near your knee joint and remove the damaged cartilage and bone.
Next, your surgeon inserts a smooth plastic spacer that mimics cartilage and replaces the bone and cartilage with a metal or plastic prosthetic.
After your new knee is in position, your surgeon closes the incisions and moves you to a recovery room. Following knee replacement, you can’t drive for at least six weeks, so a friend or family member must drive you home.
What is recovery like after total knee replacement?
It’s normal to experience swelling, bruising, and pain after total knee replacement. Get plenty of rest, take medications as prescribed, and keep your incisions clean and covered.
You begin physical therapy 1-2 weeks after your operation. Physical therapy uses stretches, strengthening exercises, and manual therapies to promote healing and restore your mobility.
Call the nearest NeuroSpine Center of Wisconsin office to schedule a total knee replacement procedure, or book your appointment online today.