Get back to doing what you love. Don’t let joint pain define you. California Pacific Orthopaedics is the Bay Area’s leader in the diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic and sports-related injuries, including total knee replacement surgery.
Don’t let knee pain control your life. Our San Francisco-based specialists are here to help.
Living with chronic knee pain can be debilitating, affecting everything from your daily routine to your overall quality of life. At California Pacific Orthopaedics, we understand the impact that knee pain can have, and our team of dedicated orthopedic specialists is committed to providing you with the highest level of care. We offer the most advanced treatments, the latest technology, and the least invasive techniques to help you get back to the activities you love, pain-free.
What is Total Knee Replacement Surgery?
Total knee replacement, also known as total knee arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure that involves replacing a damaged or diseased knee joint with an artificial one. This “prosthesis” is designed to mimic the natural movement of your knee, providing pain relief and restoring function. The procedure involves removing the damaged cartilage and bone from the surface of your knee joint and replacing them with metal and plastic components. These components are shaped to create a new, smooth-gliding surface that allows for pain-free movement.
Why is Total Knee Replacement Surgery Performed?
The primary reason for total knee replacement surgery is to relieve the chronic pain and disability caused by severe arthritis of the knee. The most common type of arthritis that leads to knee replacement is osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease that wears away the protective cartilage in your knee. Other conditions that may necessitate a knee replacement include:
- Rheumatoid arthritis: An autoimmune disease that causes chronic inflammation in the joints.
- Post-traumatic arthritis: Arthritis that develops after a knee injury, such as a fracture or ligament tear.
- Knee deformity: A condition where the knee is not properly aligned, leading to uneven wear and tear.
What to Expect Before, During, and After Surgery
Before Surgery:
- Consultation: Your journey will begin with a thorough consultation with one of our orthopedic specialists at our San Francisco or San Rafael location. We will review your medical history, perform a physical examination, and take X-rays to assess the extent of the damage to your knee.
- Pre-operative preparation: Once you and your surgeon have decided that total knee replacement is the right option for you, we will provide you with detailed instructions on how to prepare for surgery. This may include stopping certain medications, arranging for help at home after the procedure, and completing any necessary pre-operative appointments and tests.
During Surgery:
- Anesthesia: You will likely be given a spinal/epidural anesthetic (which numbs you from the waist down), and moderate sedation (drowsy/sleepy, relaxed, less aware, but still maintains protective reflexes).
- The procedure: The surgeon will make an incision over your knee to access the joint. They will then carefully remove the damaged cartilage and bone and replace them with the artificial components. The entire procedure typically takes one to two hours.
After Surgery:
- Recovery in the outpatient surgery center: If surgery is performed at surgery center, patient will be in recovery room for several hours and assessed by physical therapist/team of nurses before discharge home.
- Recovery in the hospital: Patient may stay in the hospital for 1-2 days after surgery. During this time, you will begin physical therapy to help you regain your strength and range of motion.
- Rehabilitation at home: Once you are discharged from the hospital, you will continue with physical therapy at home or at an outpatient facility. It is crucial to follow your therapist’s instructions carefully to ensure a successful recovery.
- Returning to activities: While recovery times vary, most people are able to return to their normal daily activities within three to six months after surgery.
Common Symptoms and Causes of Knee Pain
While knee pain can be a symptom of many different conditions, some of the most common signs that you may need a knee replacement include:
- Severe pain: Pain that limits your everyday activities, such as walking, climbing stairs, and getting in and out of chairs.
- Chronic inflammation and swelling: Swelling that does not improve with rest or medication.
- Stiffness: Difficulty bending and straightening your knee.
- A feeling of instability: A sense that your knee is “giving out” or “buckling.”
The most common cause of knee pain that leads to total knee replacement is osteoarthritis. This “wear and tear” arthritis occurs when the cartilage that cushions the bones in your knee joint gradually wears away. As the cartilage disappears, the bones rub against each other, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness.
Common Risk Factors for Knee Problems
Several factors can increase your risk of developing knee problems that may eventually require a total knee replacement. These include:
- Age: The risk of developing osteoarthritis increases with age.
- Genetics: Some people may have a genetic predisposition to developing arthritis.
- Weight: Being overweight or obese puts extra stress on your knee joints, increasing the risk of cartilage damage.
- Previous injuries: A history of knee injuries, such as fractures or ligament tears, can increase your risk of developing arthritis later in life.
- Certain occupations: Jobs that involve repetitive stress on the knees, such as construction or farming, can also increase your risk.
At California Pacific Orthopaedics, we are committed to providing our patients with the highest quality of care in a compassionate and supportive environment. If you are experiencing chronic knee pain, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with one of our board-certified orthopedic surgeons at our San Francisco or San Rafael location. We will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that is tailored to your individual needs and goals.
