Knee Replacement/Knee Arthroplasty

Knee Replacement/Knee Arthroplasty in Hoover and Birmingham, Alabama

The knee is susceptible to conditions and injuries that can damage the cartilage inside the joint. This can lead to severe pain and make it difficult to perform daily tasks. Knee replacement surgery, also known as knee arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure that addresses pain and disability in the knee by removing damaged parts and reconstructing the joint with metal implants.

Southlake Orthopaedics, a multi-specialty orthopedic medical provider, performs total knee replacement surgery and partial knee replacement surgery at our locations in Hoover and Birmingham-Grandview, AL. As with all our orthopedic services, our goal is to help patients throughout central Alabama achieve less pain, more living.

Knee Replacement at Southlake Orthopaedics

Patients who choose Southlake Orthopaedics for their knee replacement procedure will be under the direct care of our board-certified orthopedic knee surgeons. Our physicians provide complete orthopedic care from diagnosis to surgery to rehabilitation.

Our services begin with testing to ensure patients are good candidates for knee replacement. Physicians may use X-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

The procedure is often recommended for patients with osteoarthritis, other types of arthritis, knee injuries, and bone disorders. Patients who experience severe pain in the knee that persists even when at rest, or those who have difficulties walking, climbing stairs, or getting up from chairs due to knee discomfort, may want to consider knee replacement.

At Southlake Orthopaedics, we offer total and partial knee replacement surgeries:

Total Knee Replacement Surgery

When conservative approaches to knee pain caused by arthritis or injury are not successful, total knee replacement might be recommended. An orthopedic knee surgeon makes an incision over the knee to access the joint. From there, the surgeon performs precise techniques to remove damaged bone and cartilage. The knee is then reconstructed with metal implants and a plastic spacer, which allows the new knee to bend smoothly. Hardware is specially sized to ensure a seamless fit.

Following the procedure, patients remain under our care to ensure no complications arise. Patients will be given detailed instructions on how to properly care for the incision site and the next steps in their recovery.

Partial Knee Replacement Surgery

The physicians at Southlake Orthopaedics try to preserve as much of the patient’s knee joint as possible. If tests show that only a portion of the patient’s knee is damaged, we will recommend a partial knee replacement instead of a total replacement.

In this procedure, orthopedic surgeons will perform the same steps as a total knee replacement, but only remove the damaged part of the knee, preserving the healthy bone and cartilage. Patients who undergo a partial knee replacement generally retain more natural knee movement and function. Patients experience a similar path to recovery following partial knee replacement as those who undergo total knee replacement.

Results of Knee Replacement Surgery

Most patients are encouraged to begin their rehabilitation shortly after their knee replacement procedure. Our in-house physical therapy department will instruct patients on how to perform specific exercises to strengthen their muscles and restore knee movement.

Patients who undergo knee replacement surgery typically experience positive results. Knee replacement studies indicate more than 90% of knee replacements are still functioning well after 15 years, and nearly 82% are still functioning after 25 years. Most patients can resume activities like walking, swimming, golfing, and biking, but should refrain from engaging in higher-impact activities.

Risks Associated With Knee Replacement

The knee physicians at Southlake Orthopaedics do their due diligence to reduce the risk of complications following a knee replacement. As with any kind of surgical procedure, risks are always possible. We inform patients of the potential risks while explaining the procedure, including:

Bleeding
Infection
Blood clots
Nerve damage
Allergic reaction

Another complication of knee replacement surgery is that the prosthesis may become loose, dislodged, or fail to maneuver as intended. This complication is rare but can occur in some instances. If this happens, further replacement of the joint may be necessary.

Schedule a Knee Replacement Appointment Today at Southlake Orthopaedics

Don’t let knee pain stemming from arthritis and injuries prevent you from living your life to the fullest. Southlake Orthopaedics is here to help you experience less pain, more living with comprehensive care from our team of board-certified orthopedic knee surgeons. We offer a full lineup of knee-related services at our locations in Hoover and Birmingham-Grandview, AL, including total and partial knee replacement. To learn more about our offerings or to schedule an appointment with one of our orthopedic specialists, contact us today.

Knee Replacement/Knee Arthroplasty