Total Knee Replacement

A total knee replacement, also known as a total knee arthroplasty (TKA), is a surgical procedure that removes damaged cartilage and resurfaces the bones in the knee joint. The back of the kneecap (patella) may or may not be included in the procedure. During this surgery, a surgeon removes all or part of an arthritic knee joint and replaces it with metal and plastic parts called implants. These artificial structures attempt to restore the natural motions of a healthy knee joint, while also relieving pain and improving overall joint function.

Did You Know?

A total knee replacement replaces a worn knee joint, which can be equated to replacing worn tires with new tires. This is the most effective way to treat severe knee arthritis.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Am I a candidate for a total knee replacement?

Total knee replacements are an appropriate treatment for people who have significant arthritis or pain in the knee and who are no longer experiencing adequate relief from non-surgical treatment options. Total knee replacement can be used to provide relief from primary osteoarthritis, secondary osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, traumatic arthritis, avascular necrosis, failed prior knee surgery, arthritis secondary to ochronosis, gout, pseudogout, Paget’s disease, certain tumors of the knee, and, in some instances, infection. To determine if you are an ideal candidate for a total knee replacement, schedule a consultation with Dearborn & Associates – the Bay Area leader in both partial and total knee replacement surgery.

How are total knee replacements performed?

At Dearborn & Associates, your total knee replacement will be performed under spinal anesthesia with a specialized nerve block in the thigh. You may elect to have sedation as well. The procedure takes less than an hour. Our total knee replacement procedures are performed using a minimally-invasive technique that limits trauma to the surrounding structures and promotes faster recovery times. When appropriate, computer guidance and robotic assistance may be employed. There are three main steps to total knee replacement:

Your surgeon will make an incision in the knee.
The damaged cartilage and a small amount of bone will be removed from the end of the femur and the top of the tibia, using specialized guidance devices to ensure perfect alignment.
A metal implant will be inserted into the top of the tibia and onto the end of the femur, using either bone cement or a special porous metal coating to hold them in place. A plastic bearing will be inserted into the tibia piece to act as the artificial cartilage.
The patella is often also resurfaced.

What can I expect during recovery?

After your operation, you can expect to spend about an hour in the recovery room area, until the spinal anesthetic wears off. Within a few hours, one of our physical therapists will have you up and moving as they show you post-operative exercises and techniques for everyday tasks. You will be ready to go home 4-5 hours after surgery.

During your recovery process, a walker or cane will be needed initially. You may also desire a cooling unit to help with postoperative discomfort. You can expect to have a physical therapist come to your house to assist you with an exercise program to promote proper healing. Follow up visits are also usually scheduled at the 2-week, 6-week, and 3-month marks.

In most cases, you should be able to walk independently within 2 weeks after surgery. At the 6-week mark, you will be able to resume most of your regular activities.

Schedule a consultation with Dearborn & Associates in Menlo Park & Fremont, CA today to see if total knee replacement is the right treatment for you!