Knee surgery; the prospect sounds a little intimidating. However, today’s arthroscopic and joint replacement procedures are highly successful and give patients the freedom of movement they desire.
Let’s learn more about knee surgery, what to expect afterward, and where you can go for outstanding knee surgery in Fort Lauderdale, FL.
Arthroscopic Knee Surgery
This less invasive orthopedic operation uses small surgical tools and miniaturized video cameras to guide the surgeon in restorative techniques and treatments. These procedures include:
- Repair of a torn knee meniscus (the c-shaped cartilage between the tibia, or shin bone, and the femur, or thigh bone)
- Removal and revision of damaged or chronically inflamed knee joint lining, or synovium
- Reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL, a common sports injury
- Treatment of joint infections or lax ligaments (which cause painful movement of the knee cap or patella)
Regional anesthesia may be used to perform many of these procedures. Most, if not all, involve some time for rehabilitation with physical therapy, pain medication, and stabilization with bandages and bracing. However, because incisions are much smaller than traditional open methods, people recover more quickly from arthroscopic surgery.
Knee Replacement Surgery
A more complex procedure, knee replacement surgery, or joint arthroplasty, removes damaged portions of the knee joint and inserts plastic or metal replacement parts. Most individuals who require knee replacement surgery have advanced osteoarthritis, or OA, which does not respond adequately to less invasive treatments, such as physical therapy or platelet-rich plasma injections.
In most cases, arthritis has destroyed the articular cartilage, which cushions and facilitates movement in the knee. Depending on the damage revealed on X-ray or MRI; the surgeon may advise a partial knee replacement (involving the inside or outside of the knee joint) or the entire joint, including bone ends and the cartilage. Either way, many patients require general anesthesia and at least limited hospitalization afterward.
Recovering From Knee Surgery
The more complicated the knee surgery, the longer the recovery. Physical therapy to promote healing, improve freedom of movement and muscular strength, and encourage independence in daily living activities begins almost immediately. You will walk with an assistive device, such as a cane, walker, or crutches, for some time, and you will learn the safest ways to ambulate, including up and down stairs and entering and exiting your vehicle.
Full rehabilitation can take weeks to months, depending on the extent of the knee surgery and your overall health status and compliance with therapy. So, knee surgery patients must have at-home help available right after their procedures and as needed during recovery.
Knee Surgeon in Fort Lauderdale, FL
The team at Paul Meli Orthopedic Surgery helps patients navigate the complexities of knee surgery. Dr. Meli is a board-certified and fellowship-trained physician who has done thousands of joint operations with a high degree of success. Dr. Meli will create a treatment plan that is highly individualized for you and is committed to providing you with lasting relief from knee pain.
To know more about our services or schedule a consultation, call us today at (954) 324-7711 or fill in our online appointment request form.
