Knee Replacement
Who Benefits from Knee Replacement?
An orthopedic surgeon may recommend knee replacement surgery if:
Some patients are willing to wait until their knee problem becomes severe before undergoing a knee replacement, while other patients are more willing to have the surgery completed so they can return to sports and daily activities. Some younger patients may benefit from a partial knee replacement at an early age to relieve pain knowing they may need a total knee replacement in the future. Your orthopedic surgeon will help you determine the best timing to maximize your quality of life.
Can I wait to have my Knee Replacement Surgery?
In general, knee replacement surgery is elective. At the St. Elizabeth Total Joint Center, we promote and value your overall quality of life. Knee replacement surgery is typically done to provide you with pain relief. In most cases, temporarily delaying surgery will not negatively impact the knee joint.
Occasionally, extreme wear and tear on your knee joint can cause damage to other parts of your body. Pain can also prevent you from moving around well, which in turn can damage the muscles around your joints and even make your bones thinner. In this case, your doctor will recommend moving forward with the surgery.
Limiting Factors
At the St. Elizabeth Total Joint Center, your health is our first priority. There are certain factors that would cause your doctor to not recommend a knee replacement, including:
What is Total Knee Replacement?
Making the decision to have a total knee replacement isn’t easy, but our team of orthopedic experts at St. Elizabeth Healthcare are with you every step of the way. We want you to be knowledgeable and prepared for your knee replacement to ensure both your surgery and recovery goes as smoothly as possible. Learn about Total Knee Replacement and what to expect with more frequently asked questions below.
Contact Us
Is your knee pain bothering you?
Schedule an appointment with our Sports Medicine physicians for a treatment plan tailored to you. Call (859) 212-5600 to make an appointment.
Surgical Options
If surgery is necessary, our physicians can provide a referral to one of our affiliated orthopedic surgeons. For more information on surgical options, please contact us at askortho@stelizabeth.com.