Total Knee Replacement in Wake County
What is Total Knee Replacement?
Total knee replacement is a surgical procedure that aims to relieve pain while restoring function in the knee joint for patients with severe joint damage. During the procedure, damaged cartilage and bone are removed from the knee and replaced with new prosthetic elements. The new artificial knee joint is specially designed to restore normal function, alleviate pain, and provide stability, allowing patients to return to daily activities with improved mobility and comfort. At Raleigh Orthopaedic, our board-certified surgeons are experts when it comes to performing total knee replacement in Wake County, using advanced surgical techniques to ensure effective results and a smoother recovery process. Learn more about the process and the care we provide to patients of all ages below.
Indications for Total Knee Replacement
Total knee replacement is recommended for patients who are experiencing knee pain and stiffness that severely limits their ability to perform everyday activities. Whether it’s walking, climbing stairs, or even resting comfortably, damage to your knee joint can turn everyday tasks into painful challenges. In some cases, patients are forced to step away from sports and other activities they love because of their persistent knee pain. At Raleigh Orthopaedic, nonsurgical treatments are explored before our physicians suggest surgery. These can include physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, corticosteroid injections, and lifestyle modifications such as weight management or adjusting activities to manage symptoms conservatively.
Conditions that commonly prompt someone to seek out a total knee replacement include:
- Osteoarthritis: This degenerative joint disease is the leading cause of knee replacements and is characterized by cartilage wear and joint stiffness.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: An autoimmune condition leading to inflammation, swelling, and pain in the knee joint.
- Post-Traumatic Arthritis: Develops after an injury to the knee, leading to joint damage over time.
- Avascular Necrosis: Bone tissue in the knee dies due to lack of blood supply, often requiring replacement surgery.
What are the Benefits of Total Knee Replacement?
Total knee replacement has been performed by surgeons for decades and is known as one of the most successful procedures in all of medicine. There are many benefits of choosing total knee replacement, especially for those who have lived with chronic pain and/or limited mobility for years. Some benefits you can expect from this procedure, which your doctor will discuss with you in detail, include:
- Pain relief
- Improved mobility
- Increased independence
- Improved sleep
- Enhanced knee and joint stability
- Enhanced quality of life
Total Knee Replacement at Raleigh Orthopaedic
At Raleigh Orthopaedic, our team is dedicated to helping patients improve their joint health through personalized, compassionate care. Our knee specialists work with each patient to assess their unique needs and develop a treatment plan tailored to their goals, ultimately helping patients get back to doing what they love. If your doctor believes that a total knee replacement is the best next step for you, they will ensure that you understand the process and that any questions you have are answered along the way.
There are several steps you will need to take to prepare for your total knee replacement at Raleigh Orthopaedic. Patients should keep an open line of communication with their surgeon regarding their medical history, current medications, and any concerns they have about the procedure. Our orthopedic specialists proudly offer comprehensive pre-operative guidance, addressing lifestyle modifications, dietary recommendations, and pre-surgery exercises aimed at strengthening the muscles surrounding the knee. Additionally, patients are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the recovery process to set realistic expectations for their journey toward restored mobility.
The knee replacement procedure itself generally takes about one to three hours and is performed under spinal or general anesthesia. During the procedure, the surgeon makes an incision over the knee, removes the diseased portion of the knee joint, and carefully positions the prosthetic implants. At our orthopedic surgery centers in Panther Creek and Raleigh, NC, each step of the procedure is carried out with meticulous care and precision to ensure optimal alignment of the new joint, promoting the best possible outcome. Knee replacement also allows healthy bone to be left intact, with your surgeon focusing specifically on the damaged areas and addressing them as needed.
Immediately following surgery, patients are monitored and provided with medication to manage any post-operative pain. The sooner movement is incorporated into your recovery, the better, so physical therapy typically begins within 24 hours of surgery. The focus of your therapy plan will be on restoring mobility, strength, and function in the knee, which will continue after you leave the surgery center. Your care team will let you know your options as far as medication for pain management and may also prescribe blood thinners to prevent blood clots. We encourage our patients to be proactive throughout the recovery process and ask any questions that come up throughout their recovery so we can continue to provide support and guidance.
How Long Does Recovery from Total Knee Replacement Take?
The recovery timeline for total knee replacement varies from person to person. In general, you can expect full recovery from a total knee replacement to take around three to six months. This time varies depending on the patient’s age, physical health, and commitment to rehabilitation exercises. Although full recovery may take longer, most patients are able to begin driving again around a month to a month and a half after their procedure.
Total Joint Specialists at Raleigh Orthopaedic
At Raleigh Orthopaedic, we are dedicated to supporting every patient who walks through our doors. Regardless of your pain levels or unique circumstances, our total joint specialists bring extensive skill and experience to effectively address whatever knee or joint issue you are facing. Our team starts by creating personalized care plans that guide patients through each step of the treatment process, with a wide variety of surgical and nonsurgical options available. From initial consultation to post-op follow-up, we are dedicated to ensuring that you walk out of our practice with renewed confidence and a clear path to a healthier future.
Comprehensive Knee and Joint Care in NC at Raleigh Orthopaedic
As Wake County’s leading orthopedic practice, Raleigh Orthopaedic is committed to delivering the highest level of knee and joint care throughout North Carolina. If you’re dealing with persistent knee pain or have faced challenges with limited mobility, your path to improved joint health begins with our dedicated team at Raleigh Orthopaedic. To start your journey toward enhanced orthopedic health or to learn more about how we diagnose and treat knee pain in Wake County, please schedule an appointment online at your nearest Raleigh Orthopaedic location or give us a call today. The members of your care team are here to provide the dedication, care, and support you deserve.