Every year, orthopaedic surgeons across the United States perform over 600,000 knee replacements. Brian Solberg, MD, at LA Orthopaedic Specialists in Downtown Los Angeles, California, uses state-of-the-art technology and surgical techniques to replace your damaged knee. Call LA Orthopaedic Specialists or schedule a consultation online if you’re looking for an expert orthopaedic surgeon to perform a knee replacement surgery.

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What is knee replacement surgery?

Your knees consist of the ends of your patellas, femurs, tibias, and fibias. These bones are held together by a network of ligaments and cushioned by your meniscuses and cartilage. 

While your knees are durable and strong, they’re also vulnerable to degeneration, which can lead to knee replacement surgery. 

LA Orthopaedic Specialists offers full and partial knee replacement as well as knee revisions. These surgeries replace the components of your knee with medical-grade replacement parts to reduce knee pain and restore your mobility and quality of life. 

Why would I need knee replacement surgery?

Osteoarthritis is the most common reason for knee replacement surgery. As your cartilage wears away, the bones in your knee are left uncushioned and unprotected, which leads to more extensive damage as time passes. 

You might also need knee replacement if you have rheumatoid arthritis or post-traumatic arthritis in your knees. Some of the signs that you need knee replacement surgery include:

  • Severe pain that limits your mobility and ability to complete routine tasks
  • Other therapies haven’t relieved your pain
  • You have pain while resting
  • Your condition is severe and only likely to worsen
  • You had a knee replacement in the past that has worn out

If you have severe and chronic knee pain, contact LA Orthopaedic Specialists to learn about knee replacement and other treatment options. 

What happens during knee replacement surgery?

LA Orthopaedic Specialists provides general anesthesia so you can sleep comfortably through your full or partial knee replacement. Your surgeon begins by making incisions in your knee. They carefully remove the damaged tissue and smooth the edges of your bone and other tissue. 

Then, they attach the prosthetic knee pieces. Your prosthetics could be metal, medical-grade plastic, or a combination of the materials. When your knee replacement is complete, your doctor closes your incisions and bandages your knee. 

What should I expect while recovering from a knee replacement?

Usually, you spend a few days recovering in the hospital. Your doctor prescribes medicine to prevent infection and manage pain. You can get up and walk around soon after your surgery, although you need a walker or crutches. 

Physical therapy is a critical part of recovery after a knee replacement. Initially, physical therapy helps you maintain your muscle tone and flexibility. As you recover, you work to rebuild your strength, range of motion, balance, and mobility.

If you need a knee replacement, call LA Orthopaedic Specialists or make an appointment online for expert orthopaedic care.