Why would I need a knee replacement?
You might need a knee replacement if the joint is causing pain and loss of function and no other treatments help. The problem could be due to severe trauma, for example, shattering the knee in an auto accident, but the most likely reason for needing a knee replacement is osteoarthritis.
Osteoarthritis is a condition that progresses over time as the protective cartilage in your joints wears down.
With osteoarthritis, the ends of your bones eventually start rubbing against each other, causing increasing pain, stiffness, and weakness. It typically affects people later in life, but may begin at a younger age if you suffer joint damage.
There isn't a cure for arthritis at present, but Dr. Rottinghaus uses a range of treatments that effectively relieve pain and improve mobility for extended periods.
If your arthritis reaches an advanced stage, even these treatments may no longer work, in which case, knee replacement could be your best option.
Should I have a partial or total knee replacement?
Partial or unicompartmental knee replacement might be possible if one of your knee bones is still healthy enough to retain. Unfortunately, as the main cause of knee replacement is arthritis, it's more likely that the entire knee needs replacing.
Partial knee replacement is a good option if it's available to you — the more natural bone and tissue you retain, the better. Dr. Rottinghaus can also use minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery, which causes less pain and scarring and helps you recover more quickly.
How is knee replacement surgery performed?
Dr. Rottinghaus uses state-of-the-art Smith & Nephew NAVIO® and CORI® robotic technology with Journey® II implants for total and partial knee replacement. He also uses the DePuy Synthes ATTUNE® knee system, which has a rotating platform for total knee replacements.
Robotic technology doesn't replace the role of a surgeon; it simply enhances it. By guiding the robotic arm to position the replacement joint, Dr. Rottinghaus achieves a degree of precision that isn't possible by hand.
In most cases, you can undergo knee replacement as an outpatient, going home the same day as your surgery.
What are revision knee replacements?
Knee replacement is one of the most successful types of orthopedic surgery, but some patients do have knee problems afterward. Most often, the implant loosens years after surgery, but occasionally things go wrong with the components or their alignment soon after your operation.
Revision knee replacements are surgeries that address problems like painful knees. Dr. Rottinghaus might need to adjust the fitting of your artificial knee or replace faulty components.
Whether you need a total, partial, or revision knee replacement, call Brian Rottinghaus, MD, today or book an appointment online.
