Total Knee Replacement Surgeon in Raleigh, Garner, Cary, NC.
A total knee replacement is a surgery to replace diseased or damaged knee joint with an artificial knee joint made of materials, such as metal or plastics. Dr. McNabb provides diagnosis and individualized non-operative and operative treatment plans in Raleigh, Garner, Cary, NC. Dr. McNabb also provides highly specialized care during and after surgery. Contact Dr. McNabb’s office for an appointment today!
What is Total Knee Replacement?
Total knee replacement, also called total knee arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure in which the worn out or damaged surfaces of the knee joint are removed and replaced with an artificial prosthesis.
Knee Arthritis
The knee is made up of the femur (thighbone), tibia (shinbone) and patella (kneecap). The two menisci, the soft cartilage between the femur and tibia, serve as a cushion and help absorb shock during motion. Arthritis (inflammation of the joints), injury or other diseases of the joint can damage this protective layer, causing extreme pain and difficulty in performing daily activities. in an arthritic knee, the cartilage itself becomes thinner or completely absent. In addition, the bones become thicker around the edges of the joint and may form bony “spurs”. These factors can cause pain and restrict the range of motion in the joint.
Indications for Total Knee Replacement
Total knee replacement surgery is commonly indicated for severe osteoarthritis of the knee. Osteoarthritis is a type of arthritis. It is the most common form of knee arthritis in which the joint cartilage gradually wears away, often called wear and tear arthritis. You may be a candidate for knee replacement if:
- Severe knee pain that limits your daily activities (such as walking, getting up from a chair or climbing stairs)
- Moderate-to-severe pain that occurs during rest or awakens you at night
- Chronic knee inflammation and swelling that is not relieved with rest or medications
- Failure to obtain pain relief from medications, injections, physical therapy or other conservative treatments
Total Knee Replacement Procedure
The goal of total knee replacement surgery is to relieve pain and restore the alignment and function of your knee.
- The surgery is performed under spinal or general anesthesia. An incision is made over the front of the knee to expose the knee joint. Then, the damaged portions of the femur and tibia bones are cut using specialized jigs to verify alignment of the knee.
- The knee cap (patella) is also shaved flat on the back
- The knee replacement implants are secured to the bone with bone cement
- Lastly a plastic insert is placed between the femoral and tibial components and on the back of the patella a plastic component is cemented into place
- With all the new components in place, the knee joint is tested through its range of motion. The entire joint is then irrigated and cleaned with a sterile solution. The incision is carefully closed; a sterile dressing is placed over the incision.
Postoperative Care Following Total Knee Replacement
Rehabilitation begins immediately following the surgery. A physical therapist will teach you specific exercises to strengthen your leg and restore knee movement. You will be able to walk with crutches or a walker. Your physical therapist will also provide you with a home exercise program to strengthen your thigh and calf muscles.
Risks and Complications of Total Knee Replacement
As with any major surgery, the possible risks and complications associated with total knee replacement surgery include:
- Knee stiffness
- Infection
- Blood clots (deep vein thrombosis)
- Nerve and blood vessel damage
- Ligament injuries
- Patella (kneecap) dislocation
- Plastic liner wearing out
- Loosening of the implant
If you would like to have additional information on knee treatments or would like to learn more about total knee replacement, please contact Dr. McNabb, serving the communities of Raleigh, Garner, Cary, NC.
