Knee Replacement

More than 700,000 people in the United States have knee replacement surgery every year. Orthopedic surgeon Ben Albert, MD, at Scottsdale Hip and Knee in Scottsdale, Arizona, specializes in knee replacement, using cutting-edge tools and techniques so you get the best outcomes. To schedule a knee replacement consultation at Scottsdale Hip and Knee, call the office or book an appointment online today.

What is knee replacement?

Knee replacement is a surgical procedure that replaces damaged parts of your knee with prosthetic devices, improving its structure and function. 

Your knee is a complex joint that forms the connection between three bones. These bones, along with the ligaments, tendons, and cartilage that make up the knee joint, work together so you can stand, walk, climb, run, and jump.

Any injury or disease that affects one or more of the components that make up your knee causes knee pain, making it hard for you to manage your daily routine.

When you have chronic knee pain that affects your quality of life, you may consider knee replacement surgery.

Am I a candidate for knee replacement?

Dr. Albert determines if you’re a candidate for a knee replacement after a consultation. Before proceeding with any type of surgery, Dr. Albert exhausts all nonsurgical options, including physical therapy and joint injections.

If nonsurgical treatments fail to provide significant relief from your knee pain, then Dr. Albert may consider you a candidate for a knee replacement. He performs the procedure to treat knee damage from arthritis or traumatic injury.

What are the types of knee replacement surgery?

Dr. Albert is a fellowship-trained knee replacement surgeon who uses the most advanced surgical tools when performing this procedure. The types of knee replacement surgery he performs include:

Minimally invasive knee replacement

For minimally invasive knee replacement, Dr. Albert uses Stryker Mako® Total Knee or Cori™ Surgical System by Smith+Nephew. Both surgical tools use robotic technology that assists Dr. Albert when performing your knee replacement surgery.

Traditional knee replacement

During a traditional knee replacement, Dr. Albert uses standard surgical tools and techniques to remove the damaged parts of your knee and replace them with prosthetic devices. 

What are the benefits of minimally invasive knee replacement?

Whenever possible, Dr. Albert performs minimally invasive robotic-assisted knee replacement because of the benefits. These include:

• Smaller incisions
• Less muscle damage
• Reduction in post-surgical pain
• Better placement of the prosthetic device
• Same-day discharge
• Prosthetic knee feels more like your natural knee

Following your knee replacement, Dr. Albert has you start physical therapy right away to support the healing and recovery process. Though most people resume many of their normal activities about six weeks after knee replacement, full recovery can take 6-12 months.

To find out more about knee replacement options at Scottsdale Hip and Knee, call the office or schedule an appointment online today.