Total knee replacement surgery may be advisable if your knee is severely damaged by arthritis or injury.

If you find it difficult to perform simple activities such as walking or climbing stairs and/or you begin to feel pain while you’re sitting or lying down, knee replacement surgery could be the solution. Other symptoms that indicate it may be time for a total knee replacement surgery are limping, swelling of the knee caused by fluid collecting there, reduced range of motion such being able to bend it less or unable to straighten it completely, continual pain, or pain at night so severe you can't sleep.

If your arthritis is localized to one side of a knee, your orthopedic surgeon may recommend a unicompartmental knee arthroplasty, If both sides of a knee are affected, a total knee joint replacement with a prosthesis may be more appropriate. The replacement parts are made of cobalt-chrome or titanium metals and smooth, wear-resistant plastic (polyethylene).

Anti-inflammatory drugs can sometimes reduce the inflammation from arthritis and reduce pain for some degenerative knee conditions. The doctor may also try to postpone the need for surgery by having you use a cain or other walking aid for a period of time.

Prior to total knee replacement surgery, the orthopedic surgeon is likely to ask our physical therapists to determine and record your baseline information. Pre-operative tests enable both you and the doctor to measure improvement and the progress of your recovery. They will measure your level of pain, current extent of joint movement, amount of swelling in your knee and it's strength.

The physical therapists may also ask you to begin practicing the rehabilitation exercises you will need after surgery and they may train you to use crutches or a walker.

If your physician suspects you may need a blood transfusion during the surgery, he may ask you to donate blood several weeks before the total knee replacement surgery so it can be used if any is needed, avoiding any complications from receiving another's blood.

The physicians of the Bone and Joint Institute may also x-ray your knee to find out the true extent of the degeneration and to gather additional information about the causes. If your doctor suspects rheumatoid arthritis or an infection, a blood test and other additional tests may be recommended.