Restore Movement at Orthopedics-Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center
In a healthy knee joint – the largest joint in the body – the
surfaces of leg bones at the joint are very smooth and covered with a
tough protective tissue called cartilage. Arthritis causes damage to one
or more of the bone surfaces and cartilage where the bones rub together.
These damaged surfaces eventually become painful and may cause loss of
movement. There are many ways to treat the pain caused by arthritis. Knee-replacement
surgery usually is considered after other treatment methods have been tried.
How knee-replacement surgery works
Knee-replacement surgeries are performed more often than other types of
joint-replacement surgery.
Orthopedic surgeons at Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center can perform
two types of knee-replacement surgery:
Total knee-replacement surgery
Partial knee-replacement surgery
Surgeons work with patients to determine the best procedure based on the
condition of the knee. In total knee-replacement surgery, the knee joint
is removed and replaced with an artificial joint called an implant made
of metal and very durable plastic. The implant is attached to the femur
(thigh bone) on top and the tibia (shin bone) on the bottom.
Partial knee replacement is a minimally invasive procedure that involves
removing and replacing only the damaged portion of the knee.
The benefits of this procedure are:
Smaller scar – Only 2 to 3 inches
Shorter hospital stay – For some people, this is an outpatient procedure.
Faster recovery and rehabilitation time
Greater range of motion – The procedure allows for nearly full range
of motion compared to standard total knee-replacement surgery procedures.
For more information about knee-replacement surgery or to schedule an appointment
with an orthopedic specialist at Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center,
please call:
Fort Madison --
319-376-1135 West Burlington --
319-768-4970
Hand Surgery, Orthopedic Surgery, OrthopedicsView Profile
