Knee Replacement
Knee replacement (or knee arthroplasty) is an effective treatment to help patients with chronic knee pain regain mobility and find relief.
Over 90% of knee replacement patients report major improvement, making the procedure’s effectiveness why hundreds of thousands of knee replacement surgeries are performed annually in the United States.
Knee Replacement Surgery Treatments & Conditions
From inpatient and outpatient knee replacement surgery and arthroscopy to non-surgical options, the knee specialists at Illinois Bone & Joint Institute will help you move better, so you can live better.
If you’re experiencing decreased quality of life from any of the following conditions, considering knee replacement surgery, or thinking about other procedures, IBJI is here to assist you.
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Post-Traumatic Arthritis
- Cartilage Injuries
- Ligament Injuries
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I A Good Candidate for Knee Replacement Surgery?
Typically, IBJI orthopedic knee surgeons start by recommending non-surgical alternatives to patients, but occasionally joint replacement surgery is necessary. Good candidates for knee replacement are chronic arthritis sufferers who have debilitating joint inflammation.
If you only have sporadic pain or have the ability to take part in sports or athletics, your orthopedist will use other pain management and joint supplement techniques to help you find pain relief.
If your knee doctor determines that surgery is necessary, your joint is replaced with an artificial metal and plastic prosthesis that will imitate the normal function of a healthy knee.
Are There Non-Surgical Treatments?
Non-surgical treatments are almost always the best option for treating chronic pain. Common non-surgical knee pain treatments include:
- Cortisone & other anti-inflammatory medications
- Joint supplements to help protect the remaining cartilage
- Hyaluronan (hyaluronic acid) therapy
- Changes to the patients activities
- Weight loss by diet and exercise
What Happens During Total Knee Replacement Surgery?
In a total knee replacement, a knee surgeon removes cartilage and ends of your femur and tibia in preparation to fit a new joint to the ends of both bones.
Typically, new joints are a combination of metal—typically titanium or cobalt chrome—and polyethylene, which is an incredibly tough and reliable plastic. Recently, other materials have been used in knee replacements (such as zirconium) with the hope of improving longevity.
How Long Is The Recovery From Total Knee Replacement Surgery?
In most cases, you can expect to get back to normal day-to-day activities—such as walking, driving, and doing light chores— four to six weeks after your knee replacement surgery.
Your full recovery time depends on your individual case and if you consistently follow your physical therapy plan.
Will I Need Physical Therapy After Surgery?
Physical therapy is almost always recommended for knee replacement surgery patients. In fact, you can expect to conduct physical therapy exercises as soon as forty-eight hours post-surgery.
Physical therapy will help you have a fuller and faster recovery. The exercises will help strengthen your knee as well as other muscles in your leg required to gain full range of motion and maintain stability.
What Activities Are Allowed Or Restricted After Surgery?
You can resume normal activity at around four to six weeks after knee surgery; however, your full recovery may take up to a few months.
Typical post knee replacement activity suggestions:
- Bike Riding
- Bowling
- Cross Country Skiing
- Dancing
- Golfing
- Hiking (Non-strenuous)
- Horseback Riding
- Swimming
Potential post knee replacement restricted activities:
- Contact Sports
- High-Impact Exercise & Aerobics
- Jogging & Running
- Lifting over 50 Pounds Repeatedly
- Tennis & Racquetball
- Vigorous Walking & Hiking
