Offering Minimally Invasive Knee Replacement in Arizona
If an injury or ongoing joint condition is causing knee pain that won’t go away, a knee replacement — also called knee arthroplasty — may be good alternative to noninvasive therapies that haven’t proved successful. Doctors may recommend a replacement for people who have trouble walking or moving without pain. A knee replacement can dramatically help improve stiffness or pain in and around the knee joint, allowing for a more active lifestyle.
At Dignity Health, orthopedic surgeons specialize in open and minimally invasive knee replacement in Arizona. In fact, Chandler Regional Medical Center and Mercy Gilbert Medical Center have earned the
Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for knee replacement. To learn more about your options for treatment or to request an appointment, Find a Doctor today at a Dignity Health location near you.
Conditions Treated With Knee Replacement Surgery
People who have debilitating pain that limits daily activities can benefit from knee replacements. You may need a knee replacement if you have:
- Arthritis
- Meniscus tear
- Ligament tears (ACL, MCL, PCL, or LCL)
- Severe tendonitis or bursitis
- Serious knee injury
If you have trouble walking or performing normal daily tasks, talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of knee surgery. You can also take one of our joint replacement education classes to learn more.
What to Expect at Dignity Health
A knee replacement will be performed by a trained orthopedic surgeon at a Dignity Health hospital or outpatient surgery center. You will be given anesthesia so you won’t feel any pain.
Depending on the severity of your knee problem, your doctor may recommend either a partial or total replacement. A partial knee replacement involves only one part of your knee (the inside, outside, or the kneecap). A total knee replacement (arthroplasty) removes damaged parts of the knee and replaces them with artificial implants to restore movement and function.
Depending on what type of procedure you have — open or minimally invasive — your surgeon will make a large or small incision to access the knee joint, remove damaged pieces, and insert artificial implants made of metal alloys, high-grade plastics, and other materials.
An artificial knee will function just like a real knee joint, allowing it to move and bend naturally.
Knee Replacement Recovery & Beyond
You may need to spend several days in the hospital, as well as a rehabilitation center. You’ll have physical therapy to help strengthen your knee joint. You may need to wear a brace or use crutches for several weeks.
The length of recovery time for a partial knee replacement will depend on things such as your age and overall health. In general, recovery make take anywhere from three to four weeks. It can take up to three months for a total knee replacement. Many people find that it takes six months to one year to fully regain strength and endurance.
Dignity Health offers knee replacement surgery in Arizona to help people regain range of motion with less pain and discomfort.
