Knee replacement in Walterboro
Knee conditions can limit your ability to complete activities of daily living. For some patients, knee replacement surgery is the best way to return to a normal lifestyle.
Colleton Medical Center’s knee replacement program offers surgical options using the latest medical technology. Our experienced team of orthopedic specialists treats knee pain caused by injuries and chronic diseases, such as arthritis.
For more information about our orthopedic services, please contact our Consult-A-Nurse team at (843) 782-2525.
Knee conditions we treat
Knee problems are common. Issues can be caused by a fracture or sudden movement that strains the knee. A direct blow or disease, such as arthritis, can also wear the knee down over time. Orthopedic conditions we can treat through a knee replacement include:
- Cartilage injuries
- Chronic pain
- Meniscus injuries
- Osteoarthritis (breakdown of joint cartilage and adjacent bones in the knee)
Signs you need knee replacement surgery
Knee replacement surgery aims to help relieve pain and restore function and movement to the affected area. We provide advanced surgical procedures to ensure this goal is met. You may be a good candidate for knee surgery if you have:
- Chronic pain that is not alleviated through nonsurgical options, such as medication and rehabilitation
- Pain or stiffness that limits your ability to complete activities of daily living
- Pain that is present even at rest
- Severe joint degeneration
Preparing for knee replacement surgery
To ensure you are ready for surgery, your orthopedic team may perform:
- A complete medical history assessment
- A physical examination, including X-rays and other imaging services
- Blood tests and other exams, as needed
After determining you are a good candidate for knee surgery, your doctor assesses which type of surgery would be best for your condition. You may undergo:
Total knee replacement surgery
During knee replacement surgery, the ends of the damaged thigh and lower leg bones and usually the knee are capped with artificial surfaces lined with metal and plastic. Typically, orthopedic surgeons replace the entire surface at the ends of the thigh and lower leg bones.
Partial knee replacement
Partial knee surgery only replaces the damaged part of the knee joint with a prosthetic implant. The implant is matched to your specific anatomy, allowing for significant bone preservation and a faster recovery time.
The artificial knee has the following three components:
- Femoral component (to replace the two femoral condyles and the patella groove)
- Patellar component (to replace the bottom surface of the kneecap that rubs against the thigh bone)
- Tibial component (to replace the top of the tibia or shin bone)
Physical therapy for knee replacements
The main goal of rehab is to allow you to bend the new knee at least to 90 degrees. This is enough to complete activities of daily living, such as walking, climbing stairs, getting in and out of a chair or a car. To benefit the most from knee replacement surgery, you need to complete physical therapy while in the hospital and after returning home.
During your hospital stay, a case manager will:
- Help arrange equipment and coordinate resources with a home health agency if needed
- Help determine if inpatient rehabilitation is needed
- Provide a personal assessment and outline some goals for discharge