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Knee Replacement at Johnson City Medical Center
The knee joint endures a great deal of stress from everyday activities. High-impact activities, such as jogging and aerobics can cause knee problems – however, activities we usually take for granted, such as walking, lifting and kneeling can affect the knee as well.
Basically, the knee is two long leg bones held together by muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Each bone end is covered with a layer of cartilage that absorbs shock and protects the knee.
Some knee problems are a result of an injury or a sudden movement that strains the knee or tears the cartilage; however, many knee problems are due to general stress and underlying medical issues.
Inflammation, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and/or tendonitis can all work to destroy knee cartilage making even simple movement painful.
Treatment for knee problems
The Joint Replacement Center at Johnson City Medical Center has developed a comprehensive, planned course of treatment. We believe that you play a key role in ensuring a successful recovery. Our goal is to involve you in your treatment through each step of the program.
Specific treatment is based on underlying conditions and causes for knee pain.
A physician will determine the appropriate method of treatment based on:
- Your age, overall health and medical history
- Extent of the disease, injury or condition
- Your tolerance for specific medications, procedures or therapies
- Expectations for the course of the disease, injury or condition
- Your opinion or preference
If initial treatment methods do not provide relief, and X-rays show destruction of the joint, the orthopedists may recommend joint replacement for the knee.
Based on your condition and other factors, your physician will determine whether a total or partial knee replacement is best for you.
Partial knee replacement
Partial knee replacement surgery is an option for patients with damage that is confined to a limited area within the knee structure.
Partial knee replacement is a more minimally invasive procedure that removes only the most damaged areas of the cartilage and replaces those surfaces.
Patients who are able to have a partial knee replacement usually have a shorter recovery period.
Total knee replacement
Every year more than 400,000 people undergo total joint replacement surgery.
Knee replacement surgery helps create a smoothly functioning joint, which will help prevent painful bone-on-bone contact in the knee.
Total knee replacement offers renewed stability, eliminates pain and minimizes wear and tear on your knee joints.
Primary candidates for knee replacement are those with chronic joint pain from arthritis that interferes with daily activities, walking, exercise, leisure, recreation and work. The surgery aims to relieve pain, restore your independence and return you to work and other daily activities.
Surgery
During total knee replacement surgery, cartilage in the knee is replaced with an artificial surface. Knee replacement implants include a metal alloy used on the end of the femur and a plastic spacer used on the tibia.
The cartilage on the back of the kneecap may also undergo replacement if necessary.
Results
Several factors can affect the results for each patient, including the quality of surrounding tissue, the severity of arthritis, activity level and adherence to the doctor’s orders.
Your surgeon can help you understand the factors that apply to you.
Recovery
Total knee replacement patients recover quickly.
Generally, knee replacement patients are able to:
- Walk the day of surgery
- Drive in two to four weeks
- Dance in four to six weeks
- Golf in six to 12 weeks
Learn more
Call (423) 431-6937, for more information about knee replacement surgery at Johnson City Medical Center.