Total knee replacement surgery, also referred to as total knee arthroplasty (TKA), is a procedure that removes the damaged bone and cartilage in the knee joint and replaces it with an implant. This surgery aims to restore knee function, relieve knee pain, and help patients regain their quality of life.

Pain in Knee and Knee Replacement Surgery 

The primary reason for a total knee replacement is to repair damage and relieve pain caused by knee osteoarthritis. Knee osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage in the knee joint starts to break down, causing the femur and tibia to rub against each other. This condition causes the following symptoms:

• Knee instability

• Locking, popping, or grinding in the knee

• Pain and stiffness in the morning

• Pain during periods of activity that turns into pain while at rest

• Reduced range of motion in the knee

• Swelling or inflammation 

Knee osteoarthritis can result from a lifetime of activity or past orthopaedic trauma to the knee (such as a fracture or dislocation that didn’t heal correctly).

Arthritis is a degenerative disease, meaning there is no cure. Although there are nonsurgical methods for treating pain and slow progression, once the symptoms start to impact your quality of life, it’s time to speak with a joint replacement physician about total knee replacement surgery. 

At The Steadman Clinic, Dr. Cafferky can his team will recommend one of the following knee replacement procedures:

1. Partial Knee Replacement Surgery: This replaces or resurfaces one knee compartment. Learn more. 

2. Total Knee Replacement Surgery: An implant replaces the entire knee joint. 

Dr. Cafferky offers his patients ROSA (robotic surgical assistant) Knee replacements, which better customizes the implant fit. Learn more about ROSA Knee here. 

What Is the Average Recovery for a Knee Replacement?

Knee replacement surgery is one of the most successful procedures performed in the United States, with a ninety-eight percent success rate ten years post-op. However, every knee is different, and the recovery for your knee replacement will depend on several factors, including:

• Health

• Weight

• Activity level

Dr. Cafferky offers total knee replacement surgery as an outpatient procedure, meaning his patients are typically discharged a few hours after surgery. Physical therapy typically begins within the first week of surgery. This goal of physical therapy, as well as the at-home exercise Dr. Cafferky and his team will prescribe, is to:

• Increase flexibility 

• Reducing inflammation 

• Restore strength

• Promote healing

The recovery period will depend on the patient’s unique outcome goals and how quickly their range of motion returns. In general, knee replacement patients will:

• Walk unassisted six weeks after surgery

• Attend physical therapy for eight to twelve weeks

• Resume physical activity and exercise two to three months after surgery

Learn more about the milestones and recovery process for a total knee replacement here.

Best Knee Replacement Surgeon in Colorado

If you are considering total knee replacement surgery, contact Dr. Cafferky and his team at The Steadman Clinic! Consistently rated as one of the top joint replacement surgeons in Colorado, Dr. Cafferky is dedicated to getting his patients back to doing the activities they love.

Schedule your appointment today by calling (970) 476-1100 or through Dr. Cafferky’s online contact form.