Total Knee Replacement

What is a total knee replacement?

A total knee replacement is also known as a total knee arthroplasty. The damaged surfaces of the knee joint are removed and the joint is resurfaced with metal and plastic parts. The end of the thighbone (femur) and the top of the shinbone (tibia) receive metal components, and a plastic insert between them does the job your cartilage used to do.

Who may benefit

Generally, the patients who benefit the most are those with severe pain that limits normal everyday activities and that has not responded to non-operative treatments such as medications, injections and therapy. There are no absolute rules. Dr. Maish evaluates each patient individually, and his recommendation is based on your specific case.

How Dr. Maish does it

• A muscle-sparing subvastus approach. He goes underneath the quadriceps muscle and moves it aside instead of cutting through it.
• Personalized alignment and implants. The goal is to restore the mechanics that are right for your knee, with Persona® implants chosen to match your anatomy.
• Computer-assisted surgery with ROSA®. The plan is made for your knee and carried out with precision, with Dr. Maish in control throughout.
• Persona IQ® smart implant, when appropriate, to measure how your knee moves after surgery.
• Opioid-sparing pain control and a Less Swelling, Less Pain recovery plan.

What to expect

You are allowed to walk soon after surgery. Many patients go home the same day; others stay in the hospital, depending on the plan Dr. Maish decides is best for you. Before and after surgery, the mymobility app keeps you informed and on track, and keeps you connected to your care team.

Risks

Every operation has risks. For joint replacement these include infection, blood clots, stiffness, continued pain, injury to nerves or blood vessels, fracture, and loosening or wear of the implant, any of which could require additional surgery. Dr. Maish spends an hour with you and your family before surgery going through the risks and what you can do to lower them.

Ready to talk about your knee? Make an appointment.

This page is general education, not medical advice. Only an examination and a conversation with your surgeon can tell you what is right for you.