Total Knee Replacement
Hundreds of thousands of people in the United States undergo total knee replacement surgery every year. Though considered one of the most successful surgeries of all time, advancements in tools and techniques continue to improve patient outcomes. At Silicon Valley Orthopaedics in Fremont, Los Gatos, Menlo Park, and Foster City, California, Nic Gay, MD, Masi Reynolds, MD, and George Thabit III, MD perform total knee replacement procedures using the most innovative surgical tools available. To schedule a consultation, call the office closest to you or book an appointment online today.
A total knee replacement is a surgical treatment that involves removing the damaged portions of your knee joint and replacing them with prosthetic devices.
Your knee is a large weight-bearing joint that withstands a tremendous amount of stress daily. The structure and function of your knee makes it vulnerable to injuries and damage that cause chronic pain.
A total knee replacement restores the structure and function of your knee to ease pain and improve mobility.
Who needs a total knee replacement?
The Silicon Valley Orthopaedics team determines who needs a total knee replacement after a comprehensive evaluation. Though skilled joint replacement surgeons, the team focuses on preserving your natural knee whenever possible.
However, when the components of your knee are worn, causing chronic pain, and restricting mobility, then the team may recommend total knee replacement.
What happens during a total knee replacement?
The team customizes your total knee replacement procedure based on your health needs. Surgical options include: the ROSA® Knee System or traditional total knee replacement.
ROSA Knee System
The ROSA Knee System is a robotic-assisted device that combines 3D CT scan imaging with robotic technology to improve surgical removal of your damaged joint and alignment of your prosthetic pieces.
With robotic surgery, the team performs your total knee replacement using smaller incisions. After removing your damaged joint, the ROSA software enables your surgeon to make precise movements when placing your new knee components.
Correct positioning of your prosthetic knee gives you a more natural feeling and an easier time during your rehabilitation.
Traditional total knee replacement
During the traditional total knee replacement, your surgeon makes an incision on either side of your knee, removes the damaged joint, and replaces it with metal and plastic pieces.
Though the Silicon Valley Orthopaedics team prefers using robotic surgery for total knee replacement surgery, sometimes the traditional procedure is the better choice.
How long is recovery following a total knee replacement?
Recovery following total knee replacement depends on surgery type, your overall health, and how well you respond to rehabilitation.
In general, you should be able to resume most of your usual activities about three to six weeks after your total knee replacement and start driving about four to six weeks after. Full recovery may take six to 12 months.
To find out more about total knee replacement at Silicon Valley Orthopaedics, call the office or schedule an appointment online today.