Knee
As our population ages but stays active and healthier hip and knee pain from joint deterioration is expected to increase. When this occurs simple exercise, activities of daily living or attempting to lose weight becomes painful.
The Orthopedic of Wisconsin physicians are committed to providing a full spectrum approach to treatment of all joint conditions. These conditions include Avascular Necrosis, Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, hip dysplasia, labral tears and post-traumatic arthritis whether from a sports injury or a previous fracture.
We offer non-operative care including bracing, therapy, and multiple types of injections. Unfortunately there are times when non-operative treatment does not provide the desired results.
When non-operative treatments do not provide the desired results joint replacement is an excellent option. Although no surgery is risk free, the surgeons at the Orthopedic Institute of Wisconsin will individualize a treatment plan best for each patient.
After a thorough workup including history, physical exam, x-ray and possibly a CT scan or MRI evaluation, a surgical plan will be devised with the needs of the patient.
We offer anterior approach hip replacement as well as the traditional posterior approach.
We offer total knee, partial knee including unicompartmental and patella-femoral replacement.
How does a Total Knee Replacement Work?
The surgeon makes an incision to access the affected knee. Through careful precise surgical technique the damaged cartilage is removed. The new implant is fixed in place usually by bone cement. The implant is matched to each patient based on size and other individual physical measurements. The implant is made up of metal alloys such as cobalt-chrome. There are nickel free options for our patients who have metal allergies. In between the metal components a high grade plastic designed to have minimal friction, but last for several years is placed to allow the joint bend and straighten.
What is done prior to surgery?
After the decision is made to schedule a total knee replacement by you and your physician usually a medical workup performed by your primary care physician is ordered. This assures that our patients are medically safe to undergo the surgical procedure.
A total joint replacement class is scheduled to introduce our patients to the hospital, the staff who will be taking care of you and allow for further questions of what to expect.
How long is the hospital stay?
As technology has improved hospitalization stays have lessened. We offer outpatient, 23 hour and traditional inpatient total knee and hip replacement. You will have physical and occupation therapy prior to discharge to assure you are safe enough to go home.
What to expect after surgery?
After surgery several in office visits are scheduled to make sure you are progressing appropriately. Usually physical therapy is ordered. Also, to prevent blood clots from forming you will be prescribed medication to take for 4-6 weeks.
Some surgeons will send home machines called CPM’s to help with motion of the knee and pain control.
The Orthopedic Institute of Wisconsin has several physicians who perform cutting edge total joint replacements. Please call our office to schedule an appointment to undergo an evaluation.