Our knees are the largest joints in our body and one of the most noticeable when something is wrong.
With our weight supported by our knees and their importance in walking or climbing stairs, it can be hard to participate even in simple activities. At Summit Orthopedic Specialists we strive to provide the best total knee replacements Sacramento has to offer. Our team understands the critical importance of a set of good knees. We are happy to provide our Carmichael patients with total knee replacement surgery and physical therapy to get you back into action.
One of the most successful procedures in medicine is knee arthroplasty or more accurately described as “knee resurfacing,” because only the surface of the bones in the knee is replaced.
The process is relatively straightforward and not as intrusive as you might imagine when you first heard of it. Total knee replacement (or knee arthroplasty) is a surgical procedure that replaces damaged or diseased knee joints, cutting away damaged bone and cartilage in the affected knee, followed by replacing these damaged structures with metal, plastic, or ceramic prostheses.
You might already be aware of the pain associated with ‘bad knees’ and the pain that can hold you back from participating in your daily life.
You can once again stand and walk for extended periods or resume activities such as golfing, cycling, swimming, or even dancing with a total knee replacement! The vast majority (over 90 percent) of our Sacramento total knee replacement patients experience substantial or complete relief of pain once they have fully recovered.
Total knee replacement is an ideal solution for many who suffer from arthritic knee pain. However, consultation with the team at Summit Orthopedic Specialists will determine if this is the best option for you. Total knee replacement surgery is not recommended for:
We also do not recommend knee arthroplasty to those who are younger or do strenuous work, as an artificial knee joint may wear out more quickly than in someone older or less active. Our Sacramento total knee replacement team is aware of these possibilities being different for everyone and wants to make sure you know that should you find yourself in a situation requiring the expertise of a specialist for any of these situations; you are in good hands.
The total knee replacement procedure will take two hours from start to finish and will require anesthesia to be used.
You will be provided with an IV antibiotic before, during, and after the procedure to help prevent post-surgical infection. After the knee and targeted area are sufficiently numbed, all surfaces of the joint will be moved and bent as needed to expose the area properly.
An approximate six-inch incision is made, allowing the surgeon to push aside your kneecap and begin removing the damaged joint surfaces. Once there is room, your Carmichael total knee replacement surgeon will prepare the joint surfaces for attachment to the artificial joint. The knee will then be bent again to ensure proper function, after which the incision will be closed.
Returning to regular activities can take some time following your surgery.
Following total knee replacement Sacramento patients should avoid taking part in any activities that might place excessive stress on their knee. Once you receive the approval to pursue activities such as sports and exercise, you will be able to walk as much as you like, go swimming, and enjoy many low-impact fitness activities such as golf, bicycling, or even light tennis.
It is often not recommended to partake in high-impact activities such as jogging, racquetball, or skiing, but everyone is unique and capable of different levels of activities. We highly recommend coming in for a visit to see what effect this procedure will have, based on your current activity schedule.
Recovery from this procedure begins in the recovery room immediately following the procedure. All arthroplasty patients are encouraged to start walking slowly while utilizing a walker after surgery.
The average hospital stay is less than one day, with most patients discharged to their homes. The average time before regular functions can resume is about 10 to 12 weeks, though some recovery times are shorter or longer depending on the patient. The experts at Summit Orthopedic Specialists will give you a better idea upon consultation as to what to expect. Most Sacramento total knee replacement patients are walking and moving their new knee reasonably well within six week.
When you are a patient of Summit Orthopedic Specialists, you will have access to some of the most skilled orthopedic surgeons Sacramento has to offer. Our board-certified team of orthopedic surgeons works with the latest techniques in minimally invasive, computer-assisted surgery, and robotic surgery. Contact us today to set up a consultation so that we can work together towards getting you back to living your adventures!
6620 Coyle Avenue, Ste 303, Carmichael, CA 95608
In-office arthroscopy. Robotic-assisted surgeries. Versatile non-surgical alternatives. At Summit Orthopedic Specialists, we offer our patients in Sacramento orthopedic surgery and solutions at the leading edge of the industry. Learn how peak care leads to peak performance with a consultation today.