Surgery
Wright
empowers you,
the patient,
to make
the best
choices for your lifestyle.
Is Surgery Right for You?
It's easy to take your knees for granted - until chronic pain and
stiffness keep you from performing even routine daily activities. If medications,
physical therapy, adjustments to your level of activity and use of walking
supports fail to provide relief, it might be time to consider knee replacement
surgery.
According to the American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), there are hundreds of thousands of knee replacements performed each year in the U.S. 3
During total knee replacement (TKR) surgery, your knee's damaged and worn areas will be replaced with smooth artificial surfaces to allow for easier movement. The procedure can help relieve pain, restore lost mobility, and even correct leg deformity.
You may be a candidate for knee replacement surgery if:
- You suffer daily knee pain that restricts work, recreation and regular daily
activities such as walking, going up and down stairs, and getting in and out
of chairs.
- You have chronic stiffness and pain in your knee - even while resting.
- Your knee lacks stability.
- You experience chronic swelling and inflammation of the knee that does not
respond to medications or rest.
- Knee stiffness prevents you from bending or straightening your knee.
- You have a deformity like extremely bowed legs or knock-knees.
- Cortisone injections, physical therapy or other knee surgeries have not
significantly improved your knee's condition.
When considering knee replacement surgery, you and your doctor should discuss:
-
The degree to which the surgeon believes a TKR can improve function in
your knee.
-
Whether your age and overall physical condition make you a good candidate
for a successful surgery.
-
The likelihood that the artificial joint will need to be replaced again
at a later date, based on your age and activity level.
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