Knee Replacement Surgery

Arthritis Pain Management

Before it's time for joint replacement surgery, our Arthritis Non-operative Pain Management team can provide non-operative treatment options to reduce or eliminate your joint pain. We start with an individual assessment then we create a custom treatment program that's right for you. If you're not ready for a joint replacement, start with our non-operative orthopaedic doctors to help you get back to your favorite activities.

What is Knee Replacement Surgery?

Knee replacement is a surgical procedure to resurface a damaged knee. Your surgeon removes the arthritic sections of your knee, replacing them with a combination of artificial parts specific to your needs. An artificial knee will function very much like your original knee. The knee joint is usually accessed through an incision directly over the front of the knee.

Types of Knee Replacement Surgery

Total Knee Replacement

Also called Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA), this procedure addresses arthritis of your femur, tibia, or patella.

Partial Knee Replacement

This procedure might be appropriate for patients who have arthritis in just one area of the joint.

Orthopaedics & Physical Performance offers world-class medical and surgical support for patients experiencing joint pain and considering a joint replacement.

Fellowship Trained

Only at Orthopaedics and Physical Performance can you find all surgeons board certified and fellowship trained. Because of our surgeons advanced training and expertise, we treat the most complex medical conditions, including complicated revision surgeries.

Exceptional Experience

Our team will coach and care for you from preparation through recovery, with your recovery team by your side every step of your journey. At URochester Medicine you can expect:

• Advanced Care and Comfortable Environment
  Our patients have access to the newest treatments and most advanced orthopaedic operating rooms. Both University of Rochester Medicine Highland Hospital and F. F. Thompson Hospital are easy to navigate and provide the compassionate care you expect at a community hospital. 
• Exceptional Outcomes and High Satisfaction
  Our patients routinely give us high satisfaction ratings based on their outcomes and overall experience, which places your privacy and comfort as priorities.
• Dedicated Anesthesia and Pain Management
  The anesthesiologists specialize in joint replacement surgery and tailor medication protocols to each patient, helping you get back on your feet sooner and recover with fewer side effects.

Recognized for Excellence

Both Highland Hospital and F.F. Thompson are recognized for excellence in Hip and Knee Replacement and Rehabilitation by the Joint Commission's Gold Seal of Approval, the national organization that sets exacting health care standards for surgery.

During Surgery

Your time in surgery is about 2-3 hours. The time from the operating room to the postanesthesia care unit (PACU), where you will recover from anesthesia, is usually about 3-4 hours.

After Surgery

We prioritize effective pain medicine and strategies to ease post-operative discomfort. Your nurse will reassess your pain to ensure its being appropriately controlled.

As a convenience, your discharge prescriptions may be filled at the hospital pharmacy. Your co-pays and price will be the same as at your home pharmacy, and we can easily send any refills there. Your list of medications can be found on your After Visit Summary or in MyChart.

Most patients will go directly home the day after surgery. A social worker will work with you to discuss your discharge, and your nurse will review your discharge instructions with you.

Recovery

You make the difference. Being positive and proactively participating in your physical therapy and occupational therapy rehabilitation makes a real difference in your recovery. During your first few weeks at home, you will adapt what you’ve learned at the hospital to your own setting.

Knee total joint replacements can have a tremendous impact on your quality of life. Though there is an adjustment period, you will get about 80% of the benefit in the first 3 months. Keep in mind that it will take a year for your joint to reach its full potential.

After your joint replacement surgery, it is important to follow up with your orthopaedic surgeon on a regular basis, usually every 3-5 years even if you don’t have any pain or problems. Not all problems are painful. Your surgeon will discuss with you how frequently you should have an appointment.