Ballywho News

Has the pain in your knee joints reached a point where it negatively impacts your quality of life? Do you have trouble walking, doing routine tasks, or enjoying recreational activities?

If so, it’s probably time to see an orthopedic specialist. Physicians generally try non-surgical treatments for a time before considering knee surgery. But depending on the results of his or her physical exam and/or tests such as x-rays, CT scans and MRIs, your doctor may recommend either a knee resurfacing, or a partial or total knee replacement.

In knee resurfacing, healthy bone is kept and only damaged bone is reshaped. During knee replacement, damaged parts are replaced.

According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS), about 270,000 Americans have total knee replacement surgery every year. The American Academy of Hip and Knee Surgeons estimates that by 2030, about 3 million people will need knee surgeries each year.

Blake has the resources

At Blake Medical Center, a professional team of physicians, nurses, therapists, technicians, case managers, dietitians and office staff work together to help Joint Care Center patients achieve an improved quality of life.

The center is designed to be comfortable to patients and their families, with amenities such as a patient/family member lounge, cybercafé and coffee.

For patients who need physical therapy after their orthopedic surgery, the Blake Rehabilitation Center provides the ideal place for them to get back on their feet.

Know your knees

There are three bones in the leg: the femur (upper), the tibia (lower) and the patella, or kneecap. Our knees allow us to bend and flex our legs. Ligaments, tendons and connective tissue bind all these structures together and provide cushioning, while cartilage helps protect the kneecap.

Joint forces

Because the knee joint is a complex and delicate structure, it can be severely damaged. Some of the more common knee problems requiring treatment are:

• Osteoarthritis (occurs in older adults)
• Rheumatoid arthritis (affects people of all ages)
• Sports injuries (can be caused by running, jumping, cycling, squatting, etc.)

Surgical options

The following types of surgery are used to correct knee problems:

• Total knee replacement involves up to three parts: the back surface of the kneecap, the top surface of the shinbone, and the lower ends of the thighbone. This is the more invasive of the two procedures. (See image here.)

• In partial knee replacement, also called a unicompartmental knee replacement, one side of the knee is healthy, so only the damaged or diseased bone is removed and replaced with artificial parts. This procedure is normally done in patients with osteoarthritis. (See image here.)

• Knee resurfacing is less invasive than knee replacement. The damaged section of the knee is smoothed and only the surface of the joint is replaced, with a cap-like implant. The incisions are smaller for this procedure, and the recovery time much shorter.

If you think you are or might be a candidate for knee surgery, and would like a physician referral, contact Consult-A-Nurse^® at 1-888-359-3552, or visit Blake Medical Center online.