Total Knee Replacement

About 850,000 Americans undergo total knee replacement surgery each year. The procedure has a proven track record of success, relieving pain and restoring mobility. At Orthopaedic Specialists of Dallas, with offices in Rockwall, Wylie, Forney, and Terrell, Texas, the team regularly performs total knee replacement using a minimally invasive approach. Call Orthopaedic Specialists of Dallas today to schedule an appointment, or book your visit online.

My knee pain is excruciating. Should I consider total knee replacement surgery?

Most people experience knee pain occasionally, but if your symptoms last more than a month and don’t improve with rest, ice, or activity changes, don’t wait to seek treatment.

The Orthopaedic Specialists of Dallas team treats knee pain conservatively whenever possible. But if you have osteoarthritis or another similar condition, you might benefit from knee replacement surgery. That’s particularly true if you have severe knee swelling or stiffness that affects your quality of life and mobility.

How do I prepare for a total knee replacement?

Before recommending total knee replacement surgery, your Orthopaedic Specialists of Dallas provider completes a preoperative exam. They assess your knee joint to ensure it’s healthy enough to undergo surgery and order blood tests and an electrocardiogram to evaluate your general health.

Let your provider know about the prescription medications, vitamins, and nutritional supplements you take. Certain classes of drugs, like blood thinners, can increase the risk of surgical complications, so it’s important they’re aware. 

If your provider determines you can benefit from a total knee replacement, they explain how to prepare. Often, this includes fasting at least 12 hours before the procedure and undergoing X-rays or an MRI to evaluate your knee joint. 

What happens during a total knee replacement?

The Orthopaedic Specialists of Dallas team completes total knee replacement surgery at a nearby hospital or surgical facility.

They administer a general anesthetic before the procedure begins, causing you to fall asleep. Once you’re comfortable, your provider makes several small incisions above your knee joint and carefully removes the diseased or damaged knee joint. 

They replace your natural joint with a prosthesis made of metal, ceramic, or plastic. Then, they pad your new joint with a plastic spacer, ensuring a full range of motion. Your provider closes the incisions with staples or stitches and moves you to a recovery room until the anesthesia wears off.

Do I need to stay in the hospital after a total knee replacement?

It depends. Most people who undergo minimally invasive knee replacement surgery return home on the same day of their operation. However, if you undergo a more complex procedure, you might need to spend several nights in the hospital. 

Call Orthopaedic Specialists of Dallas today to schedule a knee replacement consultation, or book your appointment online.