Chronic pain and stiffness in the knee are common symptoms in people who have advanced knee arthritis. Even the simplest things can become difficult, such as walking around the house or climbing a few stairs.
The good news is that the damaged parts of your knee can be removed and replaced with prosthetic materials. Once you heal and recover from knee replacement surgery, your knee function could be fully restored.
This surgery will be either a partial knee replacement or a total knee replacement, depending on the damage that must be repaired. Let’s talk about the differences between these two types of knee repair and where you can go to find out what can be done for you.
Total Knee Replacement Surgery
Over 90% of knee replacement surgeries in the U.S. are total knee replacements. This surgery involves the removal of the entire joint, including the top of the tibia (larger lower leg bone) and the bottom of the femur (upper leg bone), and replacing them with medical-grade metals and plastics that work just like your original knee.
Interestingly, a total knee prosthesis typically lasts longer than a partial knee prosthesis. For many people, the new knee can last a lifetime.
Partial Knee Replacement Surgery
Patients who are recommended to have a partial knee replacement may not have as much damage to their knee joint as compared to those who need a total knee replacement. The ligaments are still in good shape, and there is very little deformity to the bones.
It is relatively common to see younger people undergo partial knee replacement surgery, as these patients tend to have knee pain due to injury – usually from playing sports. However, since younger patients tend to have more active lifestyles, the prosthesis used in partial knee replacement surgery tends to wear out faster and thereby necessitates revision surgery after a number of years.
Furthermore, since most of the natural knee tissue is still intact, you may still be susceptible to meniscus tears. Arthritis may also develop in other parts of the knee.
Minimally Invasive Knee Replacement Surgery in Little Rock, AR
The best way to determine whether you need a total knee replacement, a partial knee replacement, or another kind of treatment is to see an experienced orthopedist. In the hands of a skilled orthopedic surgeon, total or partial knee replacement surgery could get you back to living a pain-free and active lifestyle. The surgeon will also explain your nonsurgical options.
Little Rock knee surgeon Dr. William Hefley is an expert in minimally invasive knee replacement surgery, where he uses tiny incisions that result in fewer risks, a shorter hospital stay, smaller scars, and less postoperative pain for the patient. Dr. Hefley has decades of experience performing orthopedic surgeries, and he has perfected the minimally invasive techniques necessary to restore your knee function and to get you back up and enjoying life.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Hefley, call us today at (800) 336-2412 or complete our simple appointment request form online now. We look forward to seeing you!
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