Knee Replacement
A knee replacement is a surgical technique used to remove the part of the knee affected by arthritis. A new knee is then fashioned out of metal and plastic parts that work in combination to mimic the natural action of the knee joint.
Using computed tomography (CT) scans, the surgeon creates a virtual picture of the affected knee. They then use a robotic arm to accurately position the different parts of the new knee in place.
Thomas & Bigler Knee and Shoulder Institute, led by board certified orthopedic surgeons Dr. Steven C. Thomas and Dr. Gregory T. Bigler, provides orthopedic surgery to patients in Las Vegas, Nevada, while also serving areas such as greater Pahrump, Bullhead City, Lake Havasu, and Mesquite, NV.
Who is a Candidate for Total Knee Replacement?
A total knee replacement surgery involves a replacement of all the three compartments of the knee. This procedure is ideal for those with stiff or crooked knees that arise due to arthritis or a deformity. An orthopedic surgeon will generally recommend a total knee replacement for patients with:
- Severe stiffness or debilitating pain in the knee that prevents them from routine actions such as walking, climbing stairs, sitting down, or rising from a chair.
- Moderate to severe pain in the knee even at rest conditions during the night or day.
- Deformity in which the knee bows in or out.
- Chronic inflammation of the knees that does not respond to rest or medication.
- Poor or no response to treatments such as anti-inflammatory drugs, cortisone or lubricating injections, physical therapy, and other forms of surgery.
What are the Benefits of Total Knee Replacement?
A total knee replacement surgery offers the following advantages:
- A knee that feels more natural following surgery because the implants have been positioned with precision.
- Lesser discomfort, a shorter hospital stay, and more rapid recovery because only tiny incisions are made for the surgery.
- Better safety and lesser risk of injuring other tissues in the surrounding area.
- Better long-term function of the knee.
How Does Robotic Technology Work?
The surgeon first creates a digital CT scan to study the condition of the patient’s knee. Using this data, they decide the precise area in which to place the knee implant.
During the actual surgical procedure, the surgeon uses a robotic arm and shapes the adjoining bone and then accurately positions the implant in place. Real-time video streaming allows the surgeon to view and navigate areas with greater clarity.
Using data from the CT images, the system creates a 3D space that limits the area within which actions are to be performed. The robotic arm moves only in this area and this eliminates the risk of the instrument causing any harm to the surrounding tissues.
Post-Operative Recovery
A little discomfort or pain is to be expected post-surgery as part of the normal recovery process. Physical therapy is a very important part of the rehabilitative process and you may be advised to begin this about 48 hours after completion of surgery.
Orthopedic surgeons Dr. Thomas and Dr. Bigler receive patients from Las Vegas, Nevada as well as greater Pahrump, Bullhead City, Lake Havasu, and Mesquite, NV for orthopedic surgery.
Contact Board Certified Surgeons Dr. Bigler or Dr. Thomas at the Knee and Shoulder Institute in Las Vegas, NV to Schedule an Appointment:
If you would like to schedule an appointment or learn more about the Knee and Shoulder Institute procedures & treatments performed by Las Vegas, Nevada board-certified surgeons Steven C. Thomas, MD and Gregory T. Bigler, MD. Contact the office today click here.
Serving patients from and around greater Las Vegas, Lake Havasu, Bullhead City, Mesquite, Pahrump, Nevada