KNEE REPLACEMENT
What is a knee replacement?
A knee replacement, or knee arthoplasty, is a surgical procedure where the weight-bearing surfaces of the knee joint is replaced with a medical grade prosthesis to help relieve pain and help restore the loss of range of motion of the joint. It is typically performed for severe cases of osteoarthritis. The prosthesis contains a combination of medical grade chrome cobalt metal, plastic polyethylene, and can be cemented or cementless. The decision about what prosthesis is used and whether or not it is cemented is decided on a case by case basis and is based on your medical and surgical history, your age, previous and expected activity level after surgery, and what Dr. Orozco has determined will maximize your quality of life. Since this prosthesis is made up of metals and plastics you will likely hear or feel a clicking sound in your new joint as the two components move together.
The knee joint is the largest hinge joint in the leg. The knee joint allows the knee to bend and straighten or flex and extend. The knee joint meets at the end of the femur or thigh bone and the top of the tibia or shin bone. The knee cap or patella covers this area where the two bones meet. During surgery, these two main bones, the femur and tibia are shaped and prepared to allow for the new prosthesis. The patella may or may not be resurfaced, which is determined during surgery. Robotics may be utilized during your surgery to allow for greater precision in cutting away the diseased arthritic bone to make way for the new
Robotic Total Knee Replacement
Advances in technology have led to the the ability to provide patients with the option to have joint replacement surgery using robotics. This video shows how the robotic assisted arm is used during surgery to allow for precision cutting which creates the perfect surface for the new prosthesis.
Robotic Assisted Total Knee Replacement
Personalized Knee Replacements
Robotic assisted surgery utilizes images captured from a CT Scan to generate a 3D image of your entire leg to create a near perfect fit for your knee replacement. Using robotics during your surgery uses your own anatomy to determine where the cuts will be made creating a personalized surgical plan for you. This image shows a cementless knee repalcement, which is possible due to the exact cuts and measurements determined by mapping your knee before surgery even takes place. Using the Mako Robot makes this possible.
PARTIAL KNEE REPLACEMENT
Sometimes your knee arthritis may not affect the entire knee joint. In these instances you may benefit from a partial knee replacement.
Partial knee replacement surgery is performed if you are
suffering from arthritis or deterioration of the knee causing
chronic pain. While a total knee replacement removes
complete segments of the knee, a partial knee
replacement only reconstructs the sections impacted by
arthritis.
The first course of action typically involves the use of non-
surgical options such as physical therapy, viscous
injections and anti-inflammatory medications to help
reduce pain in the knee. However, if these methods are
unsuccessful, you may be a candidate for partial knee
replacement to eliminate pain and help you return to your
normal, active lifestyle.
Partial knee replacement has the potential to be an
outpatient surgery because it is less invasive, typically, you
will return home the same day as the procedure.
Partial knee replacement can prevent the spread of
arthritis and has the potential to decrease or delay the
need for a total knee replacement. In a majority of cases,
the pain and pressure associated with arthritis decreases
and mobility improves.