Our Orthopaedic Experts Offer Total Knee Replacement

A total knee replacement is a procedure to remove an entire knee joint and replace it with an artificial joint, or knee implant. The goal of a new knee implant is to restore normal function to the knee without pain or discomfort.

Your knee is composed of three parts:

• End of the femur (thigh bone)
• Top of the tibia (shin bone)
• Patella (knee cap)

In a healthy knee, these three bones are protected with a smooth cartilage that cushions the bones as they move. In an arthritic knee, the cartilage layers are destroyed, causing the bones to grind against one another. A total knee replacement resurfaces the joint using metal components attached to the end of the bones and a plastic liner inserted between them.

Why Is a Total Knee Replacement Performed?

Your doctor may recommend a total knee replacement if you have severe knee damage which hasn’t been successfully treated with therapies, medications or other surgeries.

UPMC treats the following conditions with total knee replacement:

• Knee joint injuries
• Knee joint infections
• Osteoarthritis (the most common reason for a knee replacement)
• Osteonecrosis (bone tissue in the knee joint lacks good blood supply and dies)
• Rheumatoid arthritis

If you have knee pain from a chronic joint problem or a recent injury, receive an accurate diagnosis by an orthopaedic expert at UPMC. Our surgeons perform the latest procedures for total knee replacement in Williamsport and Wellsboro, PA. If you’re ready to put knee pain behind you, Find a Provider at UPMC.

What to Expect from a Total Knee Replacement at UPMC

At UPMC, experienced orthopaedic surgeons perform total knee replacements in a hospital setting. For a total knee replacement, you’ll have general anesthesia and won’t be awake for the procedure.

Depending on your eligibility, you may have open surgery with one large incision or minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery with several very small incisions. Minimally invasive surgery results in less pain, a shorter hospital stay and a quicker recovery time. Talk with your doctor to see if you’re a candidate for minimally invasive total knee replacement.

Computer-navigated knee replacement is available at UPMC Williamsport, offering patients:

• Increased accuracy
• Better precision
• Less wear and tear on the joint
• Less invasive
• Less scarring
• Quicker recovery

Total Knee Replacement Recovery

When you’re able to return home, you’ll need assistance with everyday activities for a period of time. Most people are able to get back to their normal routine in about eight to 12 weeks.

UPMC is a leader in orthopaedic surgery, performing open and minimally invasive total knee replacement in Williamsport and Wellsboro, PA.