Total Knee Replacement

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Total Knee Replacement Surgery in Bethesda, MD

As one of the strongest and most important joints in the human body, the knee plays a critical role in activities you perform every day. From sitting to standing and walking, your knees support your body’s weight and make these movements possible. If you’re struggling with chronic knee pain due to an underlying condition or trauma, it may be time to consider total knee replacement surgery.

The orthopedic team at OrthoBethesda is here to serve the Bethesda, Maryland community with high-quality patient care. We can assess your condition to determine if a total knee replacement is the best option for you.

 

What Is Total Knee Replacement Surgery, and When Is It Needed?

Total knee replacement surgery, also called knee arthroplasty, is a routine operation we may recommend for those struggling with knee joint pain. The procedure involves removing damaged, diseased or worn bone surfaces and cartilage of the knee joint and replacing them with an artificial joint, also called an implant or prosthetic.

We usually conduct knee replacement surgery on elderly patients between the ages of 60 and 80. However, patients of any age struggling with mobility issues and pain may need this procedure. The most common reasons you may need knee replacement surgery is for osteoarthritis. More conditions can cause knee joint damage, such as:

  • Other types of arthritis
  • Unusual bone growth
  • Death of bone material in the joint
  • Knee injury, trauma or deformity

Your Total Knee Replacement Surgery

When you come to OrthoBethesda to meet with an orthopedic surgeon, we generally start with conservative treatment options. However, if these do not relieve your painful symptoms, total knee replacement surgery may be the best option. The decision to undergo this procedure is one that’s made very carefully after consulting with one of our physicians.

Your doctor will ensure you’re fully aware of what the surgery involves ahead of time, but this is the typical process:

  • On the day of your surgery, you are taken to the operating room and given anesthesia.
  • The skin around your knee is then thoroughly cleansed with antiseptic.
  • During the procedure, the knee is flexed at about a 90-degree angle, and the lower portion of your leg is kept in a device to hold it still during the operation.
  • The surgeon makes an incision over the knee joint and removes the damaged bone surface and cartilage using precision instruments.
  • Cuts are made at precise angles, so the bones align properly with the new implant components once they’re attached. The amount of bone removed depends on how much damage has occurred due to arthritis or other disorders or trauma.
  • The top surface of the tibia is removed to make the end of the bone flat, as well as the back surface of the kneecap (patella).
  • The implant is attached to the femur, tibia and knee cap. Implants are designed so the knee joint moves similarly to a natural, healthy knee joint.
  • Your surgeon connects the implant using special bone cement.
  • Usually made of metal, one implant component fits snuggly over the end of the femur covering the front and back of the bone.
  • Another implant component fits over the of the tibia and usually consists of two parts — a metal base plate and a durable, plastic articular surface. The base plate fits over the bone that was cut flat, and the articular surface serves as a spacer between that and the femur implant component.
  • Another implant component made of durable plastic covers the back of the patella.
  • Once all implant components are in place, your surgeon will adjust the ligaments that surround the knee to provide the best possible knee function.
  • As soon as the surgeon is satisfied that everything is properly adjusted, they sew the layers of tissue back into their proper position.
  • Your knee is then wrapped in a sterile bandage, and you’re taken to the recovery room.

Further Reading

What to Expect After a Total Knee Replacement

Is There a Best Time of the Year to Schedule Knee Surgery?

 

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Call OrthoBethesda for More Information About Total Knee Replacement

If you’re struggling with knee mobility and find yourself experiencing pain every day, then it’s time to contact OrthoBethesda. We’re proud to serve the Bethesda, MD community with the best possible patient care. Our highly trained surgeons can discuss potential treatment options that could include total knee replacement surgery. Give us a call today at (301) 530-1010 to make your appointment.