Knee Replacement Specialist

What is knee replacement?

The knee joint includes cartilage, muscles, bones, ligaments, and tendons. Knee replacement at COSMO is a surgical procedure in which your specialist replaces all or part of your knee joint. 

If you have significant wear and tear, injuries, or pain that doesn’t subside with other treatments, knee replacement might be the best option for you.

What are the benefits of knee replacement?

If you have severe osteoarthritis with pain or a serious knee injury, knee replacement can:

• Eliminate discomfort
• Reduce stiffness
• Increase range of motion
• Improve mobility

Knee replacement can help you walk, climb stairs, and get in and out of chairs more easily to give you a better overall quality of life.

Is knee replacement right for me?

To find out if knee replacement is the right treatment for you, the COSMO team reviews your symptoms and medical history. They evaluate the affected knee during a physical examination, paying close attention to the range of motion, stiffness, and tenderness.

Your specialist may recommend you undergo blood tests, X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, ultrasounds, or other imaging procedures to get an in-depth assessment of the health of your knee joint.

What should I expect during knee replacement?

Prior to undergoing knee replacement at COSMO, follow all of your pre-surgery instructions. Stop taking medications or dietary supplements if your doctor asks you to, and avoid eating or drinking anything the day of surgery if needed.

Your specialist gives you anesthesia to relax you and numb you from the waist down or help you fall asleep.

During the procedure, your doctor makes a tiny incision, moves your kneecap aside, and cuts away damaged parts of your knee joint. They insert pieces of an artificial joint and ensure the new joint functions properly before closing your incision. The procedure usually lasts about two hours.

What happens after my surgery?

After knee replacement surgery, you rest in a recovery area for about an hour or two. You might go home the same day as surgery or stay in the hospital for a night or two. Take all medications as directed by your surgeon, wear a brace, and ice the affected knee. Gradually increase physical activity if your doctor gives you the okay and attend physical therapy sessions.

Complete recovery might take about a month or two, but avoid intense physical activity unless your surgeon says it’s okay. When cared for properly, your new knee joint can last more than 15 years.

To find out if a full or partial knee replacement is right for you, call the Colorado Sports Medicine and Orthopaedics office or schedule an appointment online today.