Knee replacement surgery

Knee pain and stiffness can make doing the activities you love difficult, if not impossible. When other therapies aren’t providing the relief you need, knee replacement surgery can be an effective option.

At Atrium Health Floyd and Harbin Clinic, our orthopedic surgeons use advanced, minimally invasive techniques to replace damaged knee joints and give you back pain-free mobility.

What is knee replacement surgery?

Knee replacement surgery removes damaged parts of the knee joint and replaces them with artificial implants. Getting a knee replacement can relieve knee pain and increase the joint’s mobility and function.

After knee replacement surgery, most people regain normal joint function. Daily activities are no longer painful, and many people can even return to sports and other types of exercise.

Most knee replacements use minimally invasive surgical techniques. This means that the surgeons make only small incisions (instead of one large one) and use special cameras and tools to access and replace the joint.

Many knee replacement surgeons use robotic assistance during these minimally invasive procedures. Robotic guidance helps surgeons plan and execute more precise placement of implants.

Types of knee replacement surgery

There are three types of knee replacement surgery. The right one for you depends on your knee condition, severity of joint damage and your physical goals. Options include:

• Partial knee replacement: This procedure (also called unicompartmental knee replacement) removes and replaces only one part of the joint. The knee has three compartments – the medial (inside the knee), lateral (outside part) and patellofemoral (front of the knee). If only one of those compartments is damaged, a partial knee replacement fixes just that part.
• Total knee replacement: When the entire joint is damaged, this surgery replaces all three components of the knee.
• Revision surgery: Doctors recommend revision surgery when a previously replaced knee joint needs to be repaired or replaced. It can be necessary if an infection develops in the joint, the joint dislocates or the implant wears out.

Conditions treated with knee replacement surgery

Knee replacement surgery can treat any condition that leads to wearing away of the cartilage in the knee joint. These include:

• Arthritis
• Knee pain from arthritis or knee injury
• Torn ligaments or cartilage

Doctors usually recommend knee replacement surgery only after trying other noninvasive therapies, such as steroid injections and physical therapy.

Knee replacement surgery side effects

Advanced, minimally invasive knee replacement surgery is safer and more effective than traditional surgeries that require a large incision. These procedures typically lead to fewer complications and faster recovery.

Even the most advanced surgeries still carry risks. After knee replacement surgery, you may experience complications including:

• Blood clots
• Dislocation of the artificial joint
• Infection
• Nerve damage
• Stiffness
• Swelling

Most people can return home with a day or two of knee replacement surgery. You’ll begin physical therapy as soon as possible to start rebuilding strength and mobility in the joint. Carefully following your therapy program will help you heal faster and recover stronger.

Related conditions

ACL injury

Arthritis

Knee pain

Meniscus tear

Osteoarthritis