Knee Care

No, knee replacement surgery is not always necessary to treat knee pain. Knee care plans are based on a thorough diagnosis of the condition or injury and customized for each individual.

Non-surgical treatments like physical therapy, medications, and other pain management options are often recommended to treat knee pain. Other surgical procedures can include knee arthroscopy, knee resurfacing, osteotomy, and cartilage grafting.

A knee orthopedic surgeon can resurface areas of the knee using a minimally-invasive procedure called knee resurfacing. This procedure can be done as an alternative to knee replacement if only one or two areas of the joint are damaged.

Knee resurfacing is most often recommended for the knee care of younger patients with a more physically active lifestyle. Because the procedure is minimally invasive, it typically involves less postoperative pain, faster recovery, and a shorter hospital stay.

Knee arthroscopy is a minimally-invasive surgery in which a few small incisions are made to allow an orthopedic surgeon to place a tiny camera in the knee. The view from the camera helps them visualize and repair the damage to the knee.

Using only small incisions and tiny tools means knee arthroscopy causes more minor damage than traditional surgery. In fact, arthroscopic knee surgery can even be performed using local anesthetic. Recovery from knee arthroscopy is typically easier and quicker than traditional surgery.

Total knee replacement is a very common surgical procedure for knee care. A knee surgeon removes cartilage and the ends of the femur and tibia with specialized instruments to prepare the surfaces of a patient’s bones for implants. The surgeon then fits a new joint to the ends of both bones.

New knee joints are typically made of metal (usually titanium or cobalt chrome) and polyethylene, a tough and reliable plastic. Other materials, like Zirconium, have also been used in knee replacements to improve longevity.

With inpatient joint replacement, patients are admitted to the hospital to stay overnight (or longer) as they recover from surgery. This option allows them to be closely monitored by their hip care team.

Outpatient joint replacement—also known as “same-day surgery”—does not require hospitalization. This option allows the patient to receive joint replacement surgery in an ambulatory surgical center and return home in under 24 hours.

The benefits of outpatient total knee replacement surgery are lower out-of-pocket costs and a lower risk of postoperative infection. While it can be a safe and effective treatment option, outpatient joint replacement is not recommended for every patient. Talk to the knee care specialists at IBJI to determine if you are a candidate.

Most people who have knee replacement surgery will experience reduced pain, increased range of motion, and greater stability. Immediately after surgery, there will be some swelling and pain, and a walker or crutches will typically be recommended.

Four to six weeks after knee replacement surgery, most patients can resume normal daily activities, including walking, driving, and light housework. Total recovery time will vary for each patient and depend on how closely they follow their doctor’s knee care plan.

Physical therapy is almost always recommended for a fuller and faster recovery. The exercises will help strengthen your knee and the other muscles in your leg that are required to gain a full range of motion and maintain stability.