4 Things to Consider Before Choosing Your Knee Replacement Surgeon
Have you been told recently that you need one or both knees replaced? More than 754,000 knee replacement procedures are performed by knee replacement surgeons every year throughout the United States (source: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality and the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons)
Let’s learn more about what knee replacement surgery is, as well as some things to consider before choosing your knee replacement surgeon or orthopedic surgeon.
What is a knee replacement surgery procedure?
A total knee replacement procedure (referred as knee arthroplasty) resurfaces and/or replaces the surface of the knee bones. They are one of the most successful and popular procedures in medicine.
Dr. Garrett is a board-certified physician in orthopedic surgery who specializes in hip and total knee replacements, as well as orthopedic trauma care. He has over a decade worth of experience and is currently accepting new patients in Canton, GA & Milton, GA (Crabapple).
During knee replacement surgery, Dr. Garrett will prepare the knee bone, position the implants, resurface the patella (the kneecap) and insert a spacer.
If you’re considering replacing your knee(s), here are 4 things to consider before choosing your knee replacement surgeon.
1. Why do you need knee replacement surgery from an experienced knee replacement surgeon? What are the benefits of getting your knee replaced?
Knee replacements become necessary when arthritis (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or post-traumatic arthritis) or other health problems cause severe, chronic knee pain (source: Johns Hopkins Medicine).
Getting one or both knees replaced will bring many benefits to your life. From completing everyday tasks without pain to going for a pain-free bike ride to waking up every day without chronic knee pain, you’ll be happy with your knee replacement outcome.
2. What risks are involved with knee replacement surgery?
Just like all other medical procedures, there are risks involved with partial or total knee replacement surgery. Even though most patients do not experience significant complications, some have reported:
- blood clots
- infection
- implant problems
- pain long after the replacement procedure
- nerve damage
(source: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons)
If you have concerns about the risks and complications of knee replacement surgery, speak with Dr. Garrett at your appointment.
3. What should you do before your knee replacement surgery appointment?
Prior to your total knee surgery appointment, you’ll get a thorough medical evaluation from our knee replacement surgeon, including:
- A physical exam
- Review of your medical history
- Review of your medications
- X-rays
- Discussing complications and risks of total knee replacement procedures
- Other medical tests, if necessary (MRI, blood tests, etc)
In addition to those medically-necessary pre-operative items, you should also plan for adjustments to your home life, social life, and work life. We recommend considering the following adjustments prior to your surgery:
- Making plans for everyday activities that you may need help with like grocery shopping, cooking, driving, bathing, doing laundry, and other routine tasks. It is likely you’ll need help for several weeks after your surgery.
- Preparing your home so everything is safe and practical. Examples include: securing handrails on all staircases; installing safety bars in the bath/shower; buying a raised toilet seat; and more.
- Losing weight, if necessary, to lessen the stress on your new knee(s).
- Speaking with Dr. Garrett about which medications to stop prior to your knee replacement surgery appointment.
- Stopping smoking prior to your surgery as it could slow down wound healing and your recovery period.
- Letting Dr. Garrett know if you’re pregnant or might be pregnant.
Dr. Garrett and his knowledgeable team will discuss specific pre-operative instructions with you. If at any point you have questions or concerns, please discuss them with our team.
4. Knee replacement recovery – What’s involved?
Each patient’s recovery experience is different after total knee replacement surgery. It is best if you follow Dr. Garrett’s post-operative instructions regarding home care, especially during the first few weeks after your surgery appointment.
Post-operative knee replacement instructions will include things such as:
- Pain management
- Caring for your incision and wound
- Nutritional support and diet recommendations
- Activity restrictions
Following Dr. Garrett’s post-operative instructions will minimize problems after surgery, such as preventing blood clots, minimizing falls, preventing infections and other possible post-surgery problems.
Faster recovery, less pain & improved quality of life with the ATTUNE® Knee System
The ATTUNE® Primary Total Knee System is a high-tech option for total knee replacements. With this knee replacement system, you’ll experience exceptional range of motion and a stable knee replacement.
Just ask the millions of patients worldwide who love their new ATTUNE® knee replacement!
If you want the latest and greatest, this is it.
With the ATTUNE® system, you’ll get back in no time to running and playing with your kids comfortably and safely. Actually, the ATTUNE® Knee System is perfect for those wanting a knee replacement, but put it off because he/she fears a lengthy and painful recovery.
Not with ATTUNE®. Many patients talk about quick recovery times with minimal issues.
If you need to relieve your arthritic pain and get back to doing the things you love, call Dr. Garrett to schedule your appointment for knee replacement surgery. Rest assured, Dr. Garrett has performed many knee replacements using the ATTUNE® Primary Total Knee System.
Attune® Knee System
Important Safety Information: As with any medical treatment, individual results may vary. The performance of knee replacement depends on age, weight, activity level and other factors. There are potential risks and recovery takes time. People with conditions limiting rehabilitation should not have knee replacement surgery. Only an orthopaedic surgeon can determine if knee replacement is right for you.
Advanced VELYS™ Digital Surgery for a Personalized Hip or Knee Replacement Surgery Experience
Dr. Jeffrey Garrett utilizes cutting-edge VELYS™ digital surgery during hip and knee replacement surgeries for an experience customized to each patient.
With the minimally-invasive hip replacement option or the robotic-assisted knee replacement option, you can enjoy a faster recovery journey like never before, thanks to the state-of-the-art VELYS™ technology.
Not only does VELYS™ technology allow Dr. Garrett to perform both procedures with impeccable precision, VELYS™ also offers patients an app that connects you directly with Dr. Garrett and his care team, providing valuable patient support before and after your hip or knee replacement surgery.
To learn more about VELYS™ and the app, please visit the VELYS™ webpage.
Is total knee replacement surgery right for you?
An experienced knee replacement surgeon can determine whether or not you need knee replacement surgery. Just be sure you choose someone who specializes in orthopedic surgery just as Dr. Jeffrey Garrett does in Canton, GA & Milton, GA (Crabapple).
Dr. Garrett is a board-certified physician in orthopedic surgery who specializes in hip and total knee replacements, as well as orthopedic trauma care. He has over a decade worth of experience and is currently accepting new patients in Canton, GA & Milton, GA (Crabapple).
We encourage you to schedule your consultation for a partial or total knee replacement with Dr. Garrett and get back to living the life you deserve.
Laura’s Patient Story