Total Knee Arthroplasty (Total Knee Replacement)
Total knee replacement, also known as total knee arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure used to relieve pain and restore function in a knee joint that has been severely damaged by arthritis, injury, or other degenerative conditions. In this procedure, damaged surfaces of the knee are replaced with prosthetic components to alleviate pain and restore smoother, more comfortable joint movement.
Total knee replacement may be recommended for patients with significant joint damage and persistent knee pain who have not found sufficient relief with conservative or less invasive treatments. With this procedure, Dr. Seiter can help patients reduce pain, improve mobility, and return to daily activities with greater comfort and confidence.
Candidates for Total Knee Replacement
You may be a candidate for total knee arthroplasty if you:
- Experience chronic knee pain that interferes with walking or other daily activities
- Have significant stiffness or reduced range of motion in the knee
- Have difficulty walking, climbing stairs, or getting up from a seated position
- Experience pain even at rest or pain that disrupts sleep
- Have swelling or inflammation that persists despite treatment
- Have advanced arthritis or joint degeneration confirmed through imaging
- Have knee damage related to a prior injury or long-term wear and tear
- Have ongoing symptoms without notable improvement despite physical therapy, activity modification, rest, medications, injections, or other non-surgical treatments
Dr. Seiter will perform a thorough physical exam and review imaging to determine whether total knee replacement is the right treatment for your condition.
About the Procedure
Total knee replacement replaces damaged parts of the knee joint with artificial components. During surgery, damaged cartilage and a small amount of underlying bone are removed from the ends of the femur (thigh bone) and tibia (shin bone). These surfaces are then fitted with prosthetic components, with a durable plastic spacer placed between them to allow the knee to move smoothly. When appropriate, the underside of the patella (kneecap) may also be resurfaced.
The replacement components are carefully positioned and balanced to restore proper alignment, stability, and movement within the knee. The goal is to reduce pain while allowing the new joint surfaces to function as naturally and efficiently as possible.
Recovery
Here is what most patients can expect for recovery after total knee arthroplasty:
- Use of a walker, crutches, or cane shortly after surgery, followed by gradual progression to independent walking
- Physical therapy beginning shortly after surgery to restore knee motion, strength, and function
- Return to light daily activities within 4 to 6 weeks
- Gradual progression to strengthening exercises as healing continues
- Continued improvement in motion and function over 3 to 6 months
- Full recovery and maximum improvement typically within 6 to 12 months
Dr. Seiter and his care team will provide a personalized recovery plan and closely monitor your progress to help you safely regain mobility and return to your normal activities.