Total Knee Replacement: Finding Relief from Debilitating Knee Pain

Chronic knee pain caused by severe arthritis can significantly impact your quality of life. Simple activities like walking, climbing stairs, or even standing can become challenging and painful. When conservative treatments fail to provide relief, knee replacement surgery may be the solution you need to regain mobility and enjoy an active lifestyle.

At Signature Orthopedics, Dr. Osuji is a highly skilled orthopedic surgeon specializing in total knee replacement. In this blog post, we’ll explore the procedure, benefits, and what you can expect on your journey to knee pain relief.

When is Total Knee Replacement Necessary?

Total knee replacement is typically recommended when:

• Severe Arthritis: Advanced osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or post-traumatic arthritis has caused significant damage to the knee joint.
• Debilitating Pain: Chronic knee pain interferes with daily activities and quality of life, despite trying conservative treatments like medications, injections, or physical therapy.
• Limited Mobility: Stiffness and pain limit your ability to bend your knee, walk, climb stairs, or stand for extended periods.
• Joint Deformity: The knee joint may be deformed or misaligned due to arthritis.

The Total Knee Replacement Procedure

During a total knee replacement, Dr. Osuji will:

1. Prepare the Knee: Make an incision over your knee and carefully expose the damaged joint.
2. Remove Damaged Tissue: Remove the damaged cartilage and bone from the ends of the femur (thighbone) and tibia (shinbone).
3. Resurface the Patella: Resurface the underside of the patella (kneecap) if necessary.
4. Position Implants: Position the metal implants on the prepared bone surfaces to create a new joint surface.
5. Insert Spacer: Insert a medical-grade plastic spacer between the metal components to allow for smooth movement.
6. Close the Incision: Close the incision with sutures or staples.

Benefits of Total Knee Replacement

• Pain Relief: The primary benefit is significant pain relief, allowing you to perform daily activities with greater ease and comfort.
• Improved Mobility: Increased range of motion and flexibility in the knee joint, making it easier to walk, climb stairs, and participate in activities you enjoy.
• Enhanced Quality of Life: Regain independence and participate in activities you love, leading to an improved quality of life.
• Corrected Deformity: Total knee replacement can correct any deformities in the knee joint, improving alignment and function.

Recovery and Rehabilitation

After surgery, you’ll participate in a rehabilitation program that includes:

• Physical Therapy: Exercises and stretches to strengthen muscles, improve range of motion, and restore function.
• Pain Management: Medications and other pain management techniques to help you manage discomfort during recovery.
• Assistive Devices: You may need crutches or a walker initially to assist with mobility.
• Lifestyle Modifications: Dr. Osuji will provide guidance on activities to avoid and modifications to make to protect your new knee joint.

Choosing Signature Orthopedics

At Signature Orthopedics, we’re committed to providing personalized and compassionate care. Dr. Osuji has extensive experience in total knee replacement and utilizes the latest techniques and technologies to ensure optimal outcomes. We’ll guide you through every step of the process, from diagnosis and treatment planning to surgery, recovery, and follow-up care. Contact us today for more information.