The Leading Surgeons for Knee Replacement Surgery
NY Orthopedics has some of the top knee replacement surgeons in the country. Our team is experienced in both partial and total knee replacement procedures to help patients experiencing pain and loss of mobility from injuries and arthritic conditions. We have offices in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Staten Island, Nassau and Rockland counties, and New Jersey. Our physicians are well-renowned, serving both professional and amateur athletes alike.
What is a Knee Replacement?
Knee replacement surgery, also known as knee arthroplasty, is an invasive treatment that replaces the load-bearing surfaces of the knee joint. It is often the final treatment for conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, or persistent pain from past trauma when more conservative methods cease being effective.
How Does Knee Replacement Work?
Your knee is a complex collection of bones, ligaments, tendons, and cartilage that provide stability and shock absorption every time your foot touches the ground. The major parts of the knee include:
- Tibia – Also known as the shin bone
- Femur – What is known commonly as the thigh bone
- Patella – Your kneecap
- Synovial Membrane – The tissue that surrounds the joint and provides lubrication by secreting synovial fluid
- Meniscus – Two curved pieces of cartilage in the knee that acts as a shock absorber
- Cartilage – The soft piece of tissue that surrounds the bones in your knee to reduce friction
- Ligament – Stong, connective tissue that keeps your knee in place
- Tendons – The bands of tissue that connect bones to muscle
There are two common types of knee replacement surgery. In both types, a knee surgeon will remove damaged parts of the knee and replace them with a series of artificial surfaces and components. They include:
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Partial Knee Replacement
During partial knee replacement surgery, the surgeon only removes one part of the knee and replaces it with an artificial component.
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Full Knee Replacement
During a full knee replacement procedure, the surgeon replaces the entire knee and constructs a new, artificial knee to replace it.
Partial knee replacements will differ based on which parts are damaged, but in all cases, an incision is made in the knee so the doctor can remove any damaged tissue and replace it with artificial surfaces or components.
During a total knee replacement, the surgeon makes an incision in the knee and moves the patella to the side. From there, the doctor will remove both menisci and any damaged ligaments. They will also remove any bone spurs that have formed due to arthritis. After shaping the ends of the tibia and femur, the doctor will cap the bones off with metal implants and install a polyethylene implant that mimics the functions of the original knee.
How to Prepare for Knee Replacement Surgery
Before your procedure, you can do a few things to make your procedure go by faster and more efficiently and to help you around the house while you heal. These include:
- Fast about eight hours before the surgery
- You will be given a sedative, so have a person drive you home
- Talk to your doctor if you have a history of blood disorders or if you are taking an anticoagulant (blood thinning medication)
- Informing your doctor if you are pregnant or believe you may be pregnant
- Designate someone to help you around the house for the next week or so since it will be hard to get around the house
Common Risks of a Knee Replacement Surgery
Severe complications after your knee replacement surgery are extremely rare. However, as you heal, notify your doctor if you experience any of the following:
- Bleeding, swelling, or redness
- Fever
- Increased pain
What is the Recovery Time for Knee Replacement Surgery?
After your surgery, you will need to use either a walker, crutches, or a cane to get around for about two or three days. Over the next few days, you should be able to regain some mobility, but it’s important to take things slow and use walking devices when necessary.
After about six weeks, you should be able to walk and drive on your own.
It may take anywhere between four and six months to regain full strength and mobility.
Benefits of Knee Replacement Surgery
If non-surgical approaches aren’t effective, knee replacement surgery can succeed where conservative treatments cannot. People who undergo knee replacement surgery see pain relief, better mobility, an easier time performing activities of daily living, and overall improved quality of life. Most knee replacement implants will last 15-20 years or more, with the surgery itself having a 90-percent success rate. Our team of top knee replacement surgeons is well-versed in the latest technology to get you back on your feet and feeling better in no time.
NY Orthopedics Total Knee Replacement Surgeons
NY Orthopedics has multiple sports medicine offices in New York City, including Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Staten Island, as well as the surrounding counties, including Nassau, Westchester, and Rockland. In addition to total knee replacements, NY Orthopedics also is proficient at joint replacements of the hip, shoulder and ankle joints. To learn more about our services or make an appointment, contact us today!
