5 Signs You Might Need Knee Replacement Surgery

Resting and icing a knee may be common remedies to relieve knee pain, but how long until you feel the aches and pains again? If one of the below applies to you, it might be time to consider knee replacement surgery.

• Persistent or reoccurring pain
• The pain prevents you from sleeping
• You have difficulty doing daily activities including walking or climbing stairs
• Your knees are stiff or swollen
• Knee deformity — a bowing in or out of the knee

Detroit Medical Center (DMC) orthopedic surgeons understand that you have a variety of goals for your surgery, including reducing pain, regaining mobility, improving quality of life and regaining the ability to participate in work and recreational activities. That’s why we offer Mako SmartRobotics™, a minimally invasive, robot-assisted option to perform partial or total knee replacements.

DMC is one of the top health systems in Michigan for the number of Mako surgeries performed each year and has been performing Mako SmartRobotic™ joint replacement surgeries since 2012.

Benefits of Minimally Invasive, Robot-Assisted Knee Replacement Surgery

In a minimally invasive knee replacement procedure, an incision of about four to six inches is made to allow for insertion of the knee replacement. This results in minimal damage to surrounding muscles and tendons around the knee. Compared to conventional surgery with a larger incision, benefits of minimally invasive surgery include the following:

• Less discomfort, swelling and blood loss
• Shorter hospitalization and rehabilitation
• Ability to return to activities sooner

Minimally invasive knee replacement surgery is not suitable for all patients. Your doctor will conduct a thorough evaluation and consider several factors before determining if the procedure is an option for you.

If knee pain is controlling your life and limiting your activities, make an appointment with a DMC orthopedic specialist to discuss your options. We specialize in surgical and nonsurgical solutions for joint pain. To learn more about your options for treating knee pain click here or call 313-494-9440 to make an appointment with a DMC orthopedic specialist.

Source: American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons