What Will Happen During An Orthopedic Evaluation?

Knee Replacement Surgery and Its Effect on Your Life

These are questions that are frequently asked by people experiencing knee pain and considering surgery. You will be happy to know that total knee replacement surgery can make a big difference in the amount of pain you are experiencing. It can also help you get back into your life as an active participant. However, it will not perform a miracle on your general quality of life and level of activity and ability.

While total knee replacement surgery is something of a miracle surgery, with more than a 90 percent success rate in terms of reduction of pain and return to ADL (activities of daily living), it is important to keep its potential in perspective and be realistic about what it can do for you. It will not increase your athletic abilities, for example. If you were not a super-star athlete before, you will not be one following knee replacement surgery.

In fact, there may be some activities you will need to give up. If you have been doing very strenuous, active, high-impact sports, you should not do them with your knee replacement. Also, you must not jog.

In fact, you will want to handle your knee replacement with some care to extend its life. If you overuse your knee, you will cause excessive wear and tear on the plastic cushion. When it wears out, it will loosen, causing you pain. Following your total knee replacement surgery, it will be important to engage in only light to moderate exercise on a regular basis.

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During an orthopedic evaluation, you can expect the following:

Medical History: You will be asked questions about your general health and about the level of pain and functioning you are experiencing with your knee.

Physical Examination: To assess the strength, stability and ROM (range of motion) of your knee as well as the alignment of your leg.

X-rays: Radiographs will be taken to verify the amount of deformity and damage that are present.

A variety of tests, including MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), blood tests, and bone scan will be conducted to determine the condition of the soft tissues and bones of your knee as well as your general physical condition.

Finally, your orthopedic surgeon will review your results and your options with you. You will learn about total knee replacement, alternative surgeries, physical therapy, medication, and injections. Together, you and your orthopedic surgeon will decide on your course of treatment.

Your orthopedic surgeon will also inform you about any risks involved in the surgery, rehabilitation and living with a total knee replacement.

Dr. Tarlow is a Board Certified Orthopaedic Surgeon with over 20 years specializing in knee surgery. He opened his own clinic, Advanced Knee Care, with a focus on specialty patient care. Click here to learn more about Dr. Tarlow, knee arthroscopy and partial and total knee.

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