The decision to have a knee replacement is not easy. There are a few factors that you and your orthopaedic surgeon in Boca Raton need to take into consideration. If your doctor recommended you undergo the procedure and you are still waiting to pull the trigger, here are a couple of things that will allow you to make an informed decision.
What are some of the indicators for a knee replacement?
- The pain makes it impossible for you to sleep or perform normal, everyday activities
- You suffer from arthritis of the knee
- Your knee is significantly damaged (e.g., due to injury)
- Other treatments have proven ineffective
What does the procedure look like?
During the procedure, you’ll be given an anesthetic, which can be either local (in the joint), regional (from the waist down) or general (that will make you sleep through the surgery). Then a small cut or incision is made in the knee and the knee itself is pumped with salt water (saline) to make it expand and make it easier for the surgeon to carry on with the procedure. A small camera – “an arthroscope” – is inserted through the small incision in the knee joint. Our orthopaedic surgeon in Boca Raton can then investigate the source of the knee pain by looking at the inside of the knee, which is displayed on a screen. What’s more important, with the use of small instruments within the arthroscope, the doctor is also able to take care of some of the knee issues (for instance, clean up or repair the ligaments of the joint) right away, during the same procedure. The procedure itself has proven to be almost risk-free and is beneficial to a large majority of the patients.
How long does it usually take to recover after the knee replacement?
The knee arthroscopy takes about an hour or two and it isn’t very invasive. The post-surgery period is crucial in terms of getting back into shape as soon as possible. You will most likely be asked to come see your orthopaedic surgeon for a follow-up visit during which you will be given a set of rehabilitation exercises to do at home in order to help your knee recover.
Orthopedics Palm Beach County – About Orthopaedic Surgery Associates
If you are suffering from knee pain, you should consider seeing an orthopedic surgeon. Together, you can decide upon the best treatment options for your specific condition. Only after a careful examination will your orthopedic surgeon be able to determine whether you are a good candidate for arthroscopic surgery. And if in fact a surgery is needed, do not worry – this one procedure has proven to be one of the most effective treatments out there: almost risk-free and largely beneficial to most patients. If you’d like to find out more about arthroscopy or orthopedic surgeons in Boca Raton or Boynton Beach, contact us today and see how we can help you!
