Seaside Surgery Center Blog

Sharing news of note and informative articles on joint conditions

Knee replacement

knee replacementKnee replacement is the last line of defense against osteoarthritis. It also serves as a solution to serious knee injuries that cannot be resolved with conservative treatments such as corticosteroid shots, bracing, physical therapy, and other measures.

It is estimated that more than 700,000 knee replacements are performed each year across the nation. That number is expected to jump to 3.4 million annually by 2030. Why so many? For one thing, the “Baby Boomer” generation will be aging in dramatically increasing numbers. And a demanding younger population is coming up right behind them – younger adults who do not want to lose their active lifestyle. It may surprise you to learn that 50% of all the total knee replacement surgeries being performed these days is on patients younger than 65.

A small portion of those surgeries will be for knee replacement revisions – replacing the replacements. Medical technology is constantly improving, and that includes the technology to address knee replacement failures. Malalignment of the implant components and poor balance of the knee ligaments are two of the most critical causes of knee replacement failure. Device manufacturers continue to upgrade and customize implants, and surgeons continue to revolutionize the processes used in knee replacement.

Knee replacements performed at Seaside Surgery Center are done as minimally invasive procedures. Whereas knee replacement once required an incision of 8-10,” our surgeons operate through a 4” opening. Only about 20% of orthopedic surgeons use minimally invasive techniques on a routine basis, which is a shame, as the procedure provides distinct benefits to patients. Most notably, patients who have had a minimally invasive knee replacement have less pain than those who have surgery by the traditional method. The quadriceps are merely pushed aside, rather than cut. They are able to return to their active lives much sooner – fit and healthy patients are usually able to return to golf, biking, swimming, doubles tennis, and long-distance walking in just 4-6 weeks after surgery.

Best of all, knee replacement at Seaside means outpatient surgery – you are up walking just a few hours after surgery and you go home the same day, to recover in the comfort of your own home, surrounded by family and friends.