Knee Replacement

As you age, the knee often requires replacement due to wear and tear from various activities like walking, running, and sports. At The Centers for Advanced Orthopaedics Orthopaedic Associates of Central Maryland Division, our joint replacement surgeons offer various surgical approaches, including partial, minimally invasive total, and traditional total knee replacement. Your doctor will assess your lifestyle and pain levels to determine the best treatment option for you.

Procedures

Explore our most common knee replacement procedures below. Knee replacement, or knee arthroplasty, is a common surgical intervention for alleviating pain and restoring function in individuals with severe knee arthritis or injury. This overview delves into the different types of knee replacement procedures, their benefits, and post-operative recovery expectations.

Similar to traditional total knee replacement surgery, this procedure entails removing the damaged knee portion and replacing it with artificial implants. However, minimally invasive knee replacement employs a smaller incision (3-6 inches) compared to traditional surgery. Instead of cutting through thigh muscles and tendons, the surgeon lifts or pushes them aside.

Though working through a smaller incision presents challenges for the surgeon, benefits for the patient include reduced muscle and tendon damage, decreased pain, shorter hospital stays, faster recovery, and smaller scars.

When arthritis affects a specific part of your knee, your doctor may suggest a partial knee replacement if other treatments like injections, medication, and physical therapy prove ineffective. This surgical intervention is designed to address localized damage while preserving the healthy surrounding tissue and bone.

During the procedure, your orthopedic surgeon removes only the affected bone and tissue, replacing them with meticulously crafted metal and plastic components. This targeted approach not only alleviates pain but also facilitates smoother joint movement. Due to the precise nature of the surgery and the minimal disruption to surrounding knee structures, patients often experience a quicker recovery compared to those undergoing total knee replacement.

Additionally, the smaller incision size reduces the risk of complications and promotes faster healing, allowing individuals to return to their daily activities with improved mobility and reduced discomfort.

Knee replacement, also referred to as knee arthroplasty, stands as one of the most commonly performed joint replacement surgeries, celebrated for its remarkable success in mitigating pain and reinstating joint functionality.

In the traditional total knee replacement approach, your orthopedic surgeon begins with an incision, typically ranging from 8-12 inches, along the side of your patella (kneecap). This incision grants access to the knee joint, necessitating dissection through thigh muscles, tendons, and the surrounding soft tissue. Following this, the surgeon meticulously removes damaged bone, cartilage, and connective tissue, paving the way for the placement of an artificial knee joint.

Total and Partial Knee Replacement in Central Maryland

Get the joint replacement care you both deserve and need. Scheduling your appointment with our joint replacement specialists at The Centers for Advanced Orthopaedics Orthopaedic Associates of Central Maryland Division is streamlined. You may directly book online, message us via Klara, or call our locations directly. For appointments, visit our website or call (410) 644-1880 or toll-free at (855) 4MD-BONE. To schedule a physical therapy appointment after your surgery, contact The Centers for Advanced Orthopaedics Orthopaedic Associates of Central Maryland Division at (443) 478-4449.