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A total knee replacement treats severe knee damage. If other treatments haven’t worked for you, this procedure may be the next step.
Orthopedic surgeons at Dignity Health specialize in knee replacement to reduce discomfort and restore mobility and proper joint function. Find a Doctor to learn more about our orthopedic services.
A total knee replacement is typically only considered if your knee joint has been damaged beyond repair.
This typically is the case for those with rheumatoid arthritis, gout, or osteoarthritis in which the knee joint has worn down enough to need replacing. In rare cases, trauma such as a sudden, severe injury might also require a knee replacement.
Before recommending a total knee replacement, your surgeon will likely conduct several tests to make sure you are a good candidate. These tests may include:
Your surgeon may also ask you about your condition, how long you have had pain in your knee, and the degree to which your activities have been affected.
Before recommending surgery, your doctor will carefully look at your hip and ankle joints to ensure that fixing your knee will have the desired results. If your ankle or hip is also affected, a total knee replacement may not yield the desired pain reduction or increased mobility. You may notice increased pain in your other joints once your knee is replaced. Your thigh (quadriceps) muscle must also be strong enough to support the new joint.
Your doctor may recommend additional diagnostic testing to make sure you are healthy enough for surgery. Total knee replacement requires general anesthesia, meaning you will be asleep (unconscious) for the duration of the operation. Since general anesthesia carries some risk, particularly for older adults, your doctor will ensure that you are healthy enough before recommending surgery.
The most common condition treated with total knee replacement is age-related osteoarthritis or joint degeneration. Other possible reasons to seek a knee replacement include:
The approach your surgeon chooses for your knee replacement will vary depending on your underlying health and the state of your knee. Knee replacement surgery can be broken into several categories, including:
Knee replacement surgery is usually only used to replace knees that have been irreparably damaged by conditions like osteoarthritis.
Depending on your age, health history, and overall health going into the surgery, you may be at risk for complications. While a knee replacement rarely leads to complications, any surgery comes with some risks, such as:
The information contained in this article is meant for educational purposes only and should not replace advice from your healthcare provider.