Total Knee Replacement Specialist
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South Bay Orthopedic and Sports Medicine
Orthopedic Surgeons & Internists located in San Jose, CA
An estimated 4.7 million Americans and counting are living with an artificial knee joint, according to a 2010 Mayo Clinic orthopedics study. Dr. Samir Sharma and Dr. Kavita Sharma of South Bay Orthopedics and Sports Medicine provide knee replacement procedures in San Jose, California, with the goal of helping their patients restore mobility and improve their quality of life as smoothly and quickly as possible. To learn more, call or book an appointment online today.
Total Knee Replacement Q & A
What is a total knee replacement?
A total knee replacement surgery is designed to relieve pain and restore function in knee joints that are severely diseased or damaged.
During a total knee replacement surgery, your South Bay surgeon cuts away any damaged bone and cartilage from your kneecap, shinbone, and thighbone, and replaces it with an artificial prosthesis made up of metal alloys, polymers, and high-grade plastics.
A total knee replacement surgery requires anesthesia. To prevent infection, an intravenous antibiotic can be administered, and a nerve block can be used to numb your knee.
How do I know if I need total knee replacement surgery?
One of the most common reasons for knee replacement surgery is to relieve osteoarthritis pain. People in need of a total knee replacement often have difficulty climbing stairs and walking.
To determine whether you need a total knee replacement, your South Bay surgeon assesses your current medical health, your medical history, the range of motion of your knee and its stability, strength, and condition. Your doctor also uses imaging technology, such as an X-ray or MRI, to evaluate the extent of your knee damage.
A variety of surgical techniques and knee replacement prostheses are available, and your South Bay surgeon factors in your age, weight, activity level, overall health, knee size and shape, and more, to decide which option is best for you.
What can I expect after a total knee replacement?
The total knee replacement procedure only takes about two hours. Once your procedure is complete, you’re typically moved to a recovery room where you stay for a couple of days. Today, due to modern advances, a total knee replacement involves less downtime than ever before.
A total knee replacement can restore your mobility and various treatments and techniques can enhance your recovery, such as blood thinners and compression boots to protect against clotting and swelling and physical therapy exercises to improve your mobility and strength.
Over time, you can increase your activity level and decrease your pain. You might need to use crutches or a walker to help you get used to your new artificial joint.
Most knee replacements can last over 15 years, and most patients only take around six weeks following surgery to get back to most of their daily activities.
If you’re dealing with knee joint complications, schedule a consultation online or call the office today.