Total Knee Arthroplasty
A total knee replacement is a surgery that involves resurfacing the ends of the thigh and shin bone with metal components and placing a specialized plastic in between these components. The metal implants are sized and cemented onto the ends of the bones after the bones are cut to accommodate the new components. This creates a new gliding surface for the knee joint, which alleviates pain and results in improved range of motion, function, and quality of life.

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Procedure
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Why Knee Arthroplasty
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Candidates
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Recovery
Procedure
A total knee arthroplasty is a knee replacement. An incision is made (about 8 in) in the front of a patient’s knee under clean conditions. Dr. Faulkner and his assistant will identify many anatomic structures and will place retractors that help protect those structures and allow for visualization. Guides are used to cut the bone to accommodate the implants that are placed at the ends of the bone and to correct the alignment. Dr. Faulkner will then trial several sizes of the new components to evaluate best anatomic fit for the patient. New components will be fixated to the remaining bone with cement. Several layers of tissue and the incision will be closed and dressings will be placed over the incision.
- This surgery is most often performed under a spinal with a nerve block and sedation, but is sometimes performed with a general anesthesia and nerve block. In either case, local anesthesia is injected into the knee to help control pain after surgery.
- This surgery is usually inpatient, which means the patient generally stays the night at the hospital to allow for nurses to closely monitor the patient. In some cases, the surgery may be performed as an outpatient procedure in which the patient can return home the same day.
- Surgery typically lasts 1.5-2 hours.
- The incisions are closed with absorbable suture. The dressing that is applied in the operating room is waterproof, which means patients can shower immediately after surgery as long as there is a good seal around the dressing.
We now utilize Mako robotic technology when performing most total knee replacements. This requires patients to obtain a preoperative CT scan, which is then loaded into software that helps accurately determine bony anatomy and precisely plan the appropriate size and position of the implants. We can also modify this plan intraoperatively to make sure the ligaments are appropriately tensioned and the knee is balanced. The Mako robot accounts each patient’s unique anatomy, which leads to more predictable outcomes as well as less pain and quicker return to activity. Please refer to this video to better understand how this technology works:
Frequently Asked
Questions
Yes! We encourage you to ambulate as much as possible after surgery to regain your range of motion. Physical therapists will work with you to help you regain your range of motion and strength.
You should not drive for 6 weeks if the operative leg is your right leg. If the operative leg is your left leg, we recommend not driving for a few days after surgery as long as you are not taking any narcotics.
A prescription for a narcotic will be given to you at your preoperative appointment. Dr. Faulkner or his PA, Cara, will review instructions for this medication and what other over the counter medications can be taken to control pain. Risks and side effects will also be discussed.
It may be arranged for physical therapists to come to a your home for the first few weeks after surgery. When you can drive or arrange transportation, we encourage you to transition to outpatient physical therapy.
TED hose are worn to prevent blood clots in the legs. These should be worn for several hours a day for the first 2 weeks after surgery.
Yes! You will need to take a blood thinner to help prevent blood clots. This will be prescribed at your preoperative appointment by Dr. Faulkner or his PA, Cara. The instructions for this medication will also be discussed at this appointment.
You may shower 24 hours after surgery. The dressing placed over the incision in surgery is waterproof. You may get this wet, but should not soak it in water. This dressing will be removed at your first postop appointment.