Knees that are extensively damaged by a sports injury make it difficult to stand and walk, much less perform an activity that requires greater mobility. To anyone, particularly those who play sports, this can feel like a life sentence.
Since functional and pain-free knees are needed to move freely, orthopedic specialists may recommend a total joint replacement after a severe sports injury to the knee, especially if assistive devices and pain management techniques no longer work.
What is a Total Joint Replacement?
A total joint replacement involves replacing the entire knee joint with artificial implants or prosthetics. With advances continually being made on implant quality, artificial knee implants are now very close to feeling like natural knees. A knee replacement is one of the most successful orthopedic surgeries being performed today.
Reasons Why A Doctor Would Recommend a Knee Joint Replacement
There are many reasons why a doctor would recommend a total knee replacement, such as the following:
- Normal activities such as sitting, getting in and out of a chair, walking, and climbing stairs become extremely difficult
- The knee joint develops post-traumatic arthritis
- The knee joint has fractured bones or torn ligaments around the knee joint due to a traumatic sports injury
- Knee pain does not go away even while at rest; sleep is interrupted
- There is an obvious knee deformity
- Knee pain, swelling, and other symptoms persist despite conservative treatments, such as injection therapy and physical therapy
Studies have shown that patients with post-traumatic arthritis report less pain and improved function after a total knee replacement.
Is A Joint Replacement Right For Me?
There is a misconception that a total knee replacement is only for older patients. In fact, knee replacement patients are getting younger. There is no absolute age limit for the procedure, and orthopedic doctors base their recommendations on the patient’s level of disability and how a knee replacement can improve their quality of life. The doctor will evaluate your pain level, range of motion, and knee function.
If you are an athlete with a severe knee problem, your first course of action should be to consult an orthopedic surgeon specializing in knee treatments. A total knee replacement is a major surgery that requires comprehensive planning, and you have to discuss your expectations with the doctor, as well as risks and possible complications associated with it.
Knee Replacement Surgeon in Watertown, NY
At North Country Orthopaedic Group, our board-certified orthopedic surgeons evaluate patients individually for their eligibility for a total knee replacement. A knee replacement usually provides great results to patients who have suffered severe knee injuries and post-traumatic knee arthritis. For your complete safety and for continuous monitoring, we perform our total knee replacement as an inpatient procedure. Every knee replacement surgery is followed by rehabilitation.
We are proud to offer great convenience to our patients and have made diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation services available under one roof. To schedule a consultation with one of our orthopedic surgeons, call our Watertown orthopedic clinic today at (315) 782-1650 or use our convenient appointment request form. We look forward to being a partner in your recovery.
