World class knee replacement surgery at TRIA

If you struggle with a chronic knee condition, you know there’s more to it than pain and stiffness. A bad knee can keep you from doing the things you love. If you’re ready to get back on your bike, dance the night away or simply tackle a flight of stairs again, a knee replacement may be an option for you. Our surgeons, physical therapists and other specialists are leading orthopedic experts in the Midwest, with knee replacement outcomes that exceed the national average.

We use the latest surgical and rehabilitation techniques such as the ROSA^® robotic technology to help our patients recover as quickly and comfortably as possible – with many of our patients safely returning home the same day. With personalized care and expertise, we’re here to help you decide if knee replacement is right for you. If surgery is your best treatment option, we’ll answer all of your questions and determine which type of surgery will help you best accomplish your goals.

The knee is protected by cartilage, a smooth, rubbery tissue that cushions the joint. If the cartilage in your knee becomes worn or damaged, moving your knee can become painful. Knee replacements can be used to treat severe cases of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and damage caused to the knee joint by other conditions.

The best way to know if a knee replacement is the right treatment for you is to talk to an orthopedist. However, consider talking to your doctor if you notice any signs that you might need a knee replacement:

• Your knee pain no longer responds to nonsurgical treatments
• Your knee pain is getting more intense and frequent
• Your mobility has become increasingly limited
• You notice consistent or recurring swelling in your knee
• You’re not able to do the things you love

During a partial knee replacement, also called unicompartmental knee replacement, only part of your knee is replaced. This surgery is used when knee damage is limited to one compartment of the knee, the knee ligaments are intact and there aren’t significant alignment issues.

We’ll only remove the damaged cartilage and leave the healthy tissue in place. This enables us to make a smaller incision, meaning partial knee replacement has a quicker recovery time than total knee replacement.

A total knee replacement, also called total knee arthroplasty, is a type of knee replacement surgery where your entire knee is replaced with an artificial one. During the procedure, we’ll remove the knee cartilage and resurface the kneecap to fit perfectly with the artificial joint.

Artificial knees can last more than 20 years, but ordinary use can cause them to wear out over time. In some cases, a knee replacement revision is needed to fix a damaged artificial knee. In rare cases, a revision surgery may be needed if there is an infection, a complication from surgery, or if the knee replacement surgery didn’t resolve your knee issues.

During a revision, we’ll replace the damaged parts of the artificial joint with new pieces. Depending on the condition of the joint, we may need to replace the entire joint or only part of it.

Patellofemoral replacement surgery replaces the area under the surface of the kneecap and the groove under the kneecap (trochlea). This surgery is the most effective option when the damaged tissue only affects the under-surface of the kneecap.

Because only part of the knee is replaced during patellofemoral replacement surgery, it has a quicker recovery time than total knee replacement surgery.

Getting knee replacement surgery can change your life for the better, but it’s also a major surgery. Understanding what to expect before, during and after surgery can help make the decision easier. Although the path to knee replacement surgery is a little different for everyone, here’s a general knee replacement timeline to help you know what to expect.

The first step to a knee replacement is a straightforward one, making the decision to talk with a doctor. By the time you’ve made this decision, you’ve likely done your research, noticed signs that it may be time for a knee replacement, and may have even tried other treatments for knee pain. Take that first step by calling 952-831-8742 to schedule a consultation with an orthopedic surgeon.

During your knee replacement consultation, your surgeon will talk with you about your health history and what you hope to get out of a knee replacement. In some cases, we may recommend imaging tests, such as an X-ray, to get a look at your joint.

Depending on your condition, your surgeon will work with you to determine if a knee replacement is the best course of treatment and which type is right for you. If your surgeon recommends a knee replacement, it’s also a good idea to talk with your health insurance provider about what’s covered.

Before your surgery, the team at TRIA will help you prepare. Depending on your needs, surgery preparation might include physical therapy to improve the results of your surgery, pre-operative appointments and education around what to expect after surgery, knee replacement recovery and possible risks.

The amount of time it takes to prepare for knee replacement surgery varies from person to person. However, it typically takes between 1-3 months. Your care team will talk with you about how you need to prepare for surgery and when to do each step.

It’s time for surgery! You’re in good hands with the expert orthopedic surgeons at TRIA. We provide industry-leading orthopedic care.

Knee replacement surgerynormally takes1-2 hours. After surgery, you’ll typically spend another 1-2 hours in the recovery room as you wake up from anesthesia before moving on to the next phase of your recovery.

Whenever possible, our patients return home the same day or the day after surgery. We may recommend assistive devices – crutches, walkers or canes – to make your recovery more comfortable. Other devices, including post-operative icing machines, can make some parts of your recovery plan easier.

How long it takes to recover from knee replacement surgery varies from person to person, and it depends on many different factors, including what type of knee replacement surgery you have. You’ll likely be able to stand and walk short distances, like to and from the bathroom, the same day as surgery. In most cases, you can expect to get back to easy, everyday activities about a month after a knee replacement.

Throughout your recovery, you’ll meet with your orthopedic surgeon, physical therapist and others from your care team to check how you’re healing. In most cases, you’ll have physical therapy sessions to strengthen your knee and help you have an optimal recovery.

After you’re fully recovered, you’ll be able to get back to the activities you love with less pain and better knee function. Our physical therapists, surgeons and orthopedic experts will be by your side during every step of your recovery.

In some cases, robotic-assisted total knee replacement may be the best way to perform surgery. At TRIA, we currently use the ROSA^® Knee System and the VELYS^™ Robotic-Assisted Solution, robotic surgical assistants that can increase the precision and accuracy of knee replacement surgery.

Robotic surgical assistants give your surgeon the real-time information they need to plan for and perform a total knee replacement that is based on your unique anatomy. A good implant fit is key to a full and comfortable recovery. During a procedure, ROSA and VELYS use live cameras and optical lens tracking to follow the exact position of the leg. If the leg moves even a millimeter, robotic assistants adjust to allow the most accurate placement of the implant.

With the latest surgical technology and contemporary rehabilitation programs, we help you recover as quickly and comfortably as possible. If robotic-assisted surgery is right for you, your surgeon will discuss it with you and can answer any questions you have.

Movement is key to a successful recovery, which is why your first physical therapy session will be as soon as possible after your knee replacement surgery.

During your physical therapy sessions, we’ll use exercise, education and manual therapy to strengthen your knee, increase flexibility and improve mobility. You’ll learn how to use your new knee, how to avoid injury and what you can do to continue to improve your knee function.