Knee pain can be a debilitating condition, affecting your ability to perform everyday activities and diminishing your quality of life. At California Pacific Orthopaedics, we are committed to providing our patients in the San Francisco Bay Area with the most advanced and effective treatments available. One such treatment is computer-assisted knee replacement surgery, a revolutionary procedure that enhances the precision and accuracy of traditional knee replacement.
Overview
Total knee replacement, also known as total knee arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure to resurface a knee damaged by arthritis. The ends of the bones that form the knee joint are capped with metal parts, and a plastic spacer is inserted between them to create a smooth gliding surface.
Computer-assisted knee replacement utilizes advanced computer technology to improve the accuracy of the bone cuts and the positioning of the knee implant. This technology provides your surgeon with a 3D model of your knee, allowing for a more precise and personalized surgical plan.
Why a Computer-Assisted Procedure is Done
While traditional knee replacement surgery has a high success rate, computer-assisted technology offers several advantages:
- Increased Accuracy and Precision: The 3D model allows for a more accurate assessment of your knee’s alignment and deformity. This enables the surgeon to position the implant with greater precision, which can lead to a more natural-feeling knee and improved long-term function.
- Improved Alignment: Proper alignment is crucial for the longevity of the knee implant. Computer assistance helps to ensure that the implant is perfectly aligned, reducing the risk of wear and tear and the need for future revision surgery.
Common Symptoms and Causes that may lead to Knee Replacement
Knee pain and disability that may lead to the consideration of knee replacement surgery can be caused by a number of conditions, the most common of which is osteoarthritis. This “wear-and-tear” arthritis results in the breakdown of the cartilage that cushions the knee joint, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness.
Other conditions that can lead to knee replacement include:
- Rheumatoid arthritis: An autoimmune disease that causes inflammation of the joints.
- Post-traumatic arthritis: Arthritis that develops after a knee injury.
Common symptoms that may indicate the need for a knee replacement include:
- Severe knee pain that limits your everyday activities, including walking, climbing stairs, and getting in and out of chairs.
- Moderate or severe knee pain while resting, either day or night.
- Chronic knee inflammation and swelling that doesn’t improve with rest or medications.
- Knee deformity — a bowing in or out of your knee.
- Knee stiffness; inability to bend and straighten your knee.
- No pain relief from non-surgical treatments such as anti-inflammatory medications, cortisone injections, lubricating injections, or physical therapy.
What To Expect: Before, During and After the Procedure
Before the Procedure
Before surgery, you will have a thorough evaluation with your orthopedic surgeon at California Pacific Orthopaedics. This will include a physical examination, X-rays, and a discussion of your medical history. You may also need to undergo some tests to ensure you are healthy enough for surgery.
Your surgeon will discuss the risks and benefits of computer-assisted knee replacement and answer any questions you may have. You will also be given instructions on how to prepare for surgery, including what medications to stop taking and when to stop eating and drinking.
During the Procedure
Computer-assisted knee replacement surgery is performed in a hospital or outpatient surgery center. You will be given either general anesthesia or a spinal/epidural anesthetic.
The procedure itself takes about one to two hours. Your surgeon will make an incision over your knee to expose the joint. Sensors are placed on the thigh bone (femur) and shin bone (tibia). These sensors are tracked by a camera that sends information to a computer, which then creates a real-time 3D model of your knee.
This model helps your surgeon to determine the best location for the bone cuts and the optimal position for the implant. Once the damaged cartilage and bone are removed, the metal implants are either impacted into the bone or cemented in place. The plastic liner is then placed in between the metal components.
After the Procedure
After surgery, you will be taken to a recovery room where you will be monitored for a few hours. Most patients are able to go home the same day or the next day.
You will experience some pain and swelling after surgery, but this can be managed with medication. You will also begin physical therapy soon after surgery to help you regain your strength and range of motion.
Most patients are able to resume their normal activities within a few months of surgery. With a successful computer-assisted knee replacement, you can expect to experience a significant reduction in knee pain and a marked improvement in your ability to perform daily activities.
If you are suffering from knee pain and believe you may be a candidate for knee replacement surgery, contact California Pacific Orthopaedics today to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced orthopedic surgeons. We have locations in San Francisco and San Rafael to serve you. We are dedicated to providing you with the highest quality of care and helping you get back to the activities you love.
