Total Knee Replacement

Total knee replacement utilizes precision cutting guides to remove the diseased bone and cartilage from your knee and replace it with an artificial joint.

Reasons to consider knee replacement surgery.

Total knee replacement utilizes precision cutting guides to remove the diseased bone and cartilage from your knee and replace it with an artificial joint. An artificial knee consists of a metal cap on the end of your thigh bone (femur), a metal plate on the top of your shin (tibia), and a plastic liner between the two metal parts.

Through the expertise of Dr. Hofmann, we have incorporated over 30 years of knowledge in knee replacement into our practice and utilize the latest technology and implants. After you have a knee replacement at Hofmann Arthritis Institute, you will be up and walking with assistance on the day of surgery.

Learn more about non-surgical treatment options.

Is knee replacement surgery for you?

The knee joint is made up of the lower part of the thigh bone (called the femur), the knee cap (called the patella), and the top part of the shinbone (called the tibia). Knee replacement surgery — also known as knee arthroplasty (ARTH-row-plas-tee) — can help relieve pain and restore function in severely diseased knee joints. The procedure involves cutting away damaged bone and cartilage from your thighbone, shinbone, and kneecap and replacing it with an artificial joint (prosthesis) made of metal alloys, high-grade plastics, and polymers.

When is surgery recommended?

Knee problems might or might not be treated with knee replacement right away. Doctors often suggest trying other treatments first. These can include weight loss, medicines, knee braces, injections or physical therapy. If these treatments do not help enough, doctors then suggest knee replacement.

Candidates for surgery

A total knee replacement is a medical term for knee surgery replacing the cartilage of the 3 compartments of the knee. These three compartments are the medial (inside), lateral (outside), and patellofemoral (front or knee cap). When at least two or three of these compartments of the knee have severe arthritis this is the primary indication for a total knee replacement. Arthritis consists of thinning of the cartilage, overgrowth of the bone (bone spurs), thickening of the bone from stress, and breakdown of the bone causing cyst formation.

When will I be able to do my usual activities again?

Most people can do their usual activities again within 4 to 6 weeks of knee replacement. Your doctor or nurse will tell you if there are any activities that you should avoid.

Prepare for your recovery

For several weeks after the procedure, you will need to use crutches or a walker, so arrange for them before your surgery. Make sure you have a ride home from the hospital and help with everyday tasks, such as cooking, bathing, and doing laundry. If you live alone, your surgeon’s staff or hospital discharge planner can suggest a temporary caretaker.

To make your home safer and easier to navigate during recovery, consider doing the following:

Create a living space on one floor since climbing stairs can be difficult.
Install safety bars or a secure handrail in your shower or bath.
Secure stairway handrails.
Get a stable chair with a firm seat cushion and back, and a footstool to elevate your leg.
Arrange for a toilet-seat riser with arms if you have a low toilet.
Get a stable bench or chair for your shower.
Remove loose rugs and cords.