4 Questions to Ask Orthopedic Knee Replacement Surgeon in Gallatin, TN, and Nashville, TN

Knee replacement surgery involves the substitution of segments within injured or deteriorated knee joints. This surgical procedure aims to alleviate pain and enhance knee functionality.

Throughout the surgery, a skilled surgeon will extract damaged components of your natural knee joint and substitute them with an artificial joint, known as a prosthesis, crafted from a combination of metal and plastic materials. Your surgeon will make recommendations based on your condition, advising either a total or partial knee replacement.

A partial knee replacement targets specific portions of the knee joint. This approach is usually chosen when only one or two regions of the joint are impaired. Partial knee replacements are more frequently performed on younger adults who have encountered injuries or trauma.

Total knee replacement is the most prevalent. Your surgeon will replace all three sections of your knee joint, encompassing the inner aspect, the outer portion, and the area beneath your kneecap.

Southern Sports Medicine Institute employs the “Southern Approach” knee replacement, focusing on replacing solely the worn surface of the knee.

Typically, the primary reason is to alleviate pain or limitations stemming from arthritis and osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is characterized by the gradual breakdown of joint cartilage, which, when damaged, restricts joint movement and can induce discomfort.

Individuals dealing with severe degenerative joint disease may find regular activities that involve knee bending becoming increasingly difficult. Those who require knee replacement surgery often face challenges in walking, ascending stairs, and even rising from chairs.

Beyond these factors, other types of arthritis, like rheumatoid arthritis or arthritis resulting from knee injuries, can also contribute to the degeneration of the knee joint. Additionally, fractures, torn cartilage, and/or ligaments can lead to irreversible knee joint damage.

While relatively uncommon, there are cases where healthcare professionals might suggest knee replacement surgery if a bone fracture in the knee results in post-traumatic arthritis.

Pain tolerances differ among individuals, and since the knees are intricate joints, each case is unique. A knee replacement procedure is intricate, involving the intricate balance of ligaments, the precision cutting of knee joint bones, and the substitution of joint parts with artificial components.

The manipulation of the knee joint during the placement of these components results in post-procedural discomfort. Pain experienced after knee replacement surgery is closely linked to the healing process, as the knee undergoes stretching, bending, and rotational movements as part of the recovery journey.

The “Southern Approach” has been devised to mitigate pain, bleeding, and scarring associated with the conventional “down the front” approach.

In the weeks following the surgery, you may require crutches or a walker for support. It’s advisable to arrange for these aids before your procedure. Additionally, ensure you have transportation arranged for your return home from the hospital, as well as assistance with daily activities like cooking, bathing, and managing laundry.

The success rate of knee replacement surgeries is generally high when performed on suitable patients. Evidence shows that around 90-95 percent of total knee replacements continue to function well even after 10 years post-surgery.

Most patients regain their ability to walk without aids, handle stairs, rise from chairs comfortably, and resume their preferred recreational activities. Knee replacement has become a routine procedure in many hospitals.

If a total knee replacement necessitates further intervention down the line, reoperations are almost always possible and successful. Overall, successful knee replacement tends to result in a better quality of life, reduced pain, and improved mobility for the majority of individuals.

Knee replacement surgery is available at Southern Sports Medicine Institute. For more information, contact us or book an appointment online. We have convenient locations in Gallatin, TN, and Nashville, TN. We serve patients from Gallatin TN, Nashville TN, Portland TN, Hendersonville TN, Lafayette TN, Castalian Springs TN, Westmoreland TN, Hartsville TN, Cottontown TN, Old Hickory TN, Goodlettsville TN, Springfield TN, Red Boiling Springs TN, White House TN, Lebanon TN, Greenbrier TN, Bowling Green KY, Bethpage TN, Lavergne TN, Franklin TN, Hermitage TN and Mount Juliet TN.