Total knee replacement is a surgery that’s used to treat severe degenerative disease of the knee joint. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, more than 542,000 people undergo total knee replacement every year in the United States. Also referred to as a muscle sparing total knee replacement or minimally invasive total knee replacement, this innovative orthopaedic technique combines the latest minimally invasive methods with a surgical approach that leaves the most important leg muscles and tendons intact. During the procedure, Dr. Ahluwalia will remove the damaged or diseased cartilage and bone from the knee joint and replace all the knee compartments with an artificial implant.
To find out more about total knee replacement or to set up your consultation with Dr. Ahluwalia, simply call us at 310.430.1310.
Candidates for Total Knee Replacement
During a total knee replacement, Dr. Ahluwalia removes the damaged or diseased knee joint and replaces it with an artificial implant. Knees that require replacement may suffer from multiple diseases or disabilities, which cause them to wear out. This includes inflammation from arthritis, injury or trauma, or simple wear and tear associated with aging.
Most patients who undergo total knee replacement surgery suffer from chronic knee pain. The most common causes of chronic knee pain are various types of arthritis, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and post-traumatic arthritis.
Total knee replacement may not be necessary for everyone. Dr. Ahluwalia will help you determine if this procedure is right for you. People who are generally good candidates for total knee replacement will meet some of the following criteria:
- Chronic swelling and inflammation of the knee
- Moderate to severe pain, even while at rest
- Deformity of the knee
Patients who are good candidates for total knee replacements will likely have also tried more conservative treatments such as medication(anti inflammatories, injections), physical therapy, and other surgeries with unsatisfactory results.
Quadriceps Sparing Total Knee Replacement
A traditional knee replacement involves a large incision being made through key leg structures in order to access the underlying parts of the knee. Dr. Ahluwalia will assess whether you are a candidate for a minimally invasive surgery or not. In minimally invasive total knee replacement, instead of cutting the quadriceps tendon, Dr. Ahluwalia will make a small incision to access the underlying knee structures. Unlike traditional total knee replacement, the quadriceps tendon is not cut or split. The knee remains intact while in situ cuts are made. The entire procedure is usually completed in less than 2 hours.
Benefits of Minimally Invasive Total Knee Replacement
There are several benefits to using the minimally invasive technique for total knee replacement. These benefits include:
- Smaller incision, leading to a smaller scar
- Faster Recovery
- Easier surgery with less blood loss
- Minimal hospitalization
- Faster return of basic knee functions
- Postoperative Outlook and Recovery
Because the incision is very small and no major tendons or muscles are cut, recovery is faster and less painful. It has been reported that patients who underwent quadriceps sparing total knee replacement experienced less pain and maintained a greater degree of flexion at all the post-operative follow up visits than patients who underwent traditional total knee replacement.
After surgery, you will be able to independently get in and out of bed, rise from a chair, walk 100 feet, and walk up and down a full flight of stairs. Once you are comfortable in performing these tasks and feel ready to go home, you will be discharged with post-operative care instructions. These include prescriptions for medication and instructions regarding follow up appointments with Dr. Ahluwalia at his Beverly Hills practice.
Contact a Knee Replacement Surgeon in Beverly Hills
Are you or someone you love considering knee replacement surgery? Dr. Ahluwalia is a leading orthopaedic surgeon in Southern California. He has completed a fellowship at Harvard University in Joint Preservation and Replacement. Patients travel to his practice from around the world to work with Dr. Ahluwalia and his staff. To find out more about how total knee replacement surgery can help you, call us today.
