Knee Replacement Surgery
Severe knee arthritis can limit your activity on even a day-to-day basis. While there are nonsurgical treatments available to help patients manage symptoms, they may not provide sufficient relief as arthritis damage progresses. For these patients, knee replacement surgery is a great option for restoring mobility and quality of life.
Our experienced knee replacement team at Southern Orthopaedic Specialists includes Dr. Chad Millet, Dr. Gregor Hoffman, and Dr. Timothy Finney. Our team offers several options to meet patients’ needs, including traditional total knee replacement, partial knee replacement, and robotic knee replacement. Regardless of the procedure, our surgeons only recommend knee replacement surgery if they feel it is the best option for the patient and less invasive options have been exhausted.
Knee Replacement Candidates
While only an evaluation with a qualified orthopaedic surgeon can determine whether or not you are eligible for knee replacement surgery, we recommend scheduling an appointment if you are experiencing the following symptoms:
- Pain and/or stiffness in the knee that is severe enough to limit your daily activities
- Knee pain that persists even while at rest
- Frequent inflammation and swelling in the knee that does not improve with rest or medication
- Knee deformity, such as bowing in or out
- Arthritis symptoms in the knee that have not improved with conservative treatments like anti-inflammatory medications, joint injections, and physical therapy
For partial knee replacement, patients must meet additional criteria. The knee is divided into 3 major sections, called compartments. To qualify for a partial knee replacement, arthritis must be limited to just one compartment of the knee. If arthritis is present in multiple compartments of the knee, a partial knee replacement will not provide satisfactory relief of symptoms, and a total knee replacement would be the best option.
Knee Replacement Procedures
During a knee replacement procedure, the surgeon removes the damaged portions of the knee joint and replaces them with an implant. At Southern Orthopaedic Specialists, we offer different knee replacement options to meet the needs of our patients.
Total Knee Replacement
With a total knee replacement, the entire joint is replaced with metal implants, with a plastic spacer in between the two metal components to allow the new knee to glide smoothly. This helps to restore alignment of the knee and improve knee function.
Partial Knee Replacement
A partial knee replacement is similar to a total knee replacement, except only the damaged compartment of the knee is replaced with an implant. The patient is able to retain their own bone and cartilage on the healthy side of the knee. Patients who are candidates may prefer this option, and some patients say it feels more “natural” than a total knee replacement. Sometimes, recovery from a partial knee replacement can be quicker, as well.
Robotic Knee Replacement
Dr. Millet uses ROSA robotic technology for both total and partial knee replacements. The ROSA Knee System utilizes real-time information to assist with precise placement of the knee implant based on a person's unique knee anatomy. This allows Dr. Millet to carry out knee replacement surgery with greater precision and a higher standard of care. The robot does not perform the surgery; rather, it acts as a “second assistant” to help your surgeon complete the procedure with greater accuracy and precision than manual techniques. Benefits include more accurate implant placement, smaller incisions, more precise bone cuts, and quicker recovery.
Recovering from Knee Replacement
After knee replacement surgery, most patients are able to go home the same day or the following day after an overnight hospital stay. Most patients are up and walking the day of surgery with the assistance of a walker, which they will use for about 1-2 weeks to get around.
Multimodal pain management techniques, including regional anesthesia and regional blocks, help knee replacement patients stay comfortable so that they are able to progress in their recovery with limited use of narcotic pain medications. For most patients, pain is typically better after the 2-week mark.
Knee replacements typically require approximately 2-6 weeks of outpatient physical therapy, as the recovery process can be more strenuous than a hip replacement. Full recovery times can vary depending on the procedure (total or partial knee replacement) and the patient’s individual progress. Your doctor will advise when it is safe to return to certain activities like work, driving, and recreation.
Knee Replacement Surgery in New Orleans, LA & Surrounding Communities
Southern Orthopaedic Specialists has 3 convenient locations to serve our patients: Uptown New Orleans, Metairie, and Slidell. If conservative treatments are no longer providing sufficient relief from knee arthritis symptoms, knee replacement surgery may help you regain your quality of life. Our knee replacement team, including Dr. Chad Millet, Dr. Gregor Hoffman, and Dr. Timothy Finney, is trained in a variety of techniques to meet the needs of our patients. If you would like to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists, please call our office at (504) 897-6351 or fill out our appointment request form.