Total Knee Replacement

As your body’s largest joints, knees support your weight as you stand, walk, run and jump. Over time, the shock-absorbing cartilage in your knees may wear out, causing pain. A traditional or minimally invasive total knee replacement surgery at Midwest Orthopedic Specialty Hospital can help. You’ll benefit from the expertise of doctors who have successfully performed hundreds of knee replacement procedures—including surgeries for your friends and neighbors.

Could a Total Knee Replacement Help Me?

You may qualify for knee replacement if:

• Pain from knee arthritis interferes with your sleep and daily activities
• Your discomfort makes it hard for you to walk, get dressed and care for yourself
• Conservative treatments, such as knee therapy and rehabilitation and pain management haven’t helped long-term
• You’re at least 55 years old

What to Expect During a Knee Replacement Procedure

During your procedure, a talented surgeon at Midwest Orthopedic Specialty Hospital will remove damaged cartilage and bone from your knee. Your doctor will then implant specially designed pieces of metal and plastic to create an artificial joint that’s tailored to your body size, gender and activity level. Anesthesia will prevent you from feeling pain during the procedure, which takes one to two hours.

Knee Revisioning

Most knee replacements last for up to two decades; however, there are times in which a previous knee replacement needs to be replaced – a process known as “revisioning.”

Many factors may create a need for revisioning – patients may outlast their implants, especially as younger patients receive new joints or older patients live longer. A joint may become painful or swollen, loosen or change position, wear or become infected over time. As a result, the patient could experience limping, stiffness or instability.

Getting Ready for Surgery

Get the best possible surgical outcome by preparing for your procedure as soon as possible. Talk to your doctor about joining our free Joint Effort class, which offers education, peer support and personalized guidance from health care professionals. You and a loved one will:

• Find answers to your questions
• See where your surgery will take place
• Meet your knee replacement team, including nurses and physical therapists

Read our Hip & Knee Surgery (PDF) guidebook to find out how to get yourself and your home ready so your recovery from your knee replacement procedure goes as smoothly as possible. Then, prepare for your visit to our facility by learning helpful information such as items to bring for your stay and how long to avoid eating before your operation.

Ongoing Support for Your Recovery

After total knee replacement surgery, you’ll spend one or two days in the hospital, where you’ll begin physical therapy. Knee therapy and rehabilitation will continue for a few months to help you regain function, strength and flexibility in your leg. As you recover, you’ll walk more easily and independently.

Knee Revisioning Maintains Benefits of Your Procedure

Your new knee will last up to 20 years, thanks to our advanced surgical techniques and technology. But a surgeon may need to replace your artificial joint if:

• You outlive the implant
• You often take part in high-impact athletic activities that wear down the joint
• The implant loosens or changes position
• You experience a knee infection

If you notice pain, swelling or stiffness following your recovery from knee replacement surgery, talk to your surgeon at Midwest Orthopedic Specialty Hospital. You may find relief with knee revisioning, or a replacement of your artificial joint.