As joints go, the knee is arguably one of the most important in the human body -- its proper function is crucial to overall health and well-being. Dr. William Burns of Craig Ranch Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine in Frisco, Texas, has extensive experience dealing with knees and, more importantly, in knee replacement surgery. Under Dr. Burns’s care and guidance, knee replacement surgery can get you back to an active lifestyle as quickly as possible.
Generally, there are four different types of knee replacement surgery:
After close examination and testing, Dr. Burns helps you figure out the best long-lasting solution for your knee problems.
When it comes to the knees, osteoarthritis is the number one cause of deterioration in the joint. Arthritis wreaks havoc on the cartilage in the knee, which normally provides the cushion between the knee and the bone joints, causing the bones to rub together painfully. The most common treatment for osteoarthritis in the knees is total knee replacement surgery, with over 600,000 performed each year in the United States.
Other reasons for knee replacements are:
If you are experiencing pain in your knees, make an appointment with Dr. Burns to get started on the road to pain-free movement and improved mobility.
The good news is that in recent years, studies have shown that getting back to normal activities is important in the healing process, which is why Dr. Burns likely will have you up and walking within a day or two after surgery. Physical therapy during the early stages also can help speed up recovery time.
Recovery time varies widely between patients of total knee replacement and also depends on the goals for your replacement. Generally, it takes up to three months before you are back to your normal activities, and six months to a year to completely rebuild muscle and strength around the joint.
Dr. Burns will explain the recovery process thoroughly so that you know in advance what to expect.
The medical community is constantly improving the materials and techniques in knee replacement surgery, and, as of today, 15 to 20 years is the average for most total knee replacements.
Please call our office for a full list of insurances we accept.