Knee replacement

Chronic knee pain can make life feel unmanageable. If medication and physical therapy don’t relieve pain, our orthopedic surgeons may recommend knee replacement to improve mobility and function.

Knee replacement: Why choose Aurora BayCare Medical Center?

Orthopedic experts at Aurora BayCare Medical Center use advanced artificial joint techniques and technologies to get you on your feet again. Program highlights include:

• High volume: We do thousands of knee replacement surgeries each year. Completing so many surgeries means our doctors demonstrate the expertise, skill and knowledge gained through experience.
• Pain minimization focus: We think about reducing pain from the moment we start planning your treatment. We use medications to manage nerve pain before surgery to lessen the need for narcotic painkillers.
• Quicker discharge: We focus on getting you home to recover safely with pain control and therapeutic techniques. About 40% of people who have total joint replacements here go home the same day, well above the national average rate of 25% same-day discharges.
• National and regional recognition:S. News & World Report rates our knee replacement program as high performing in its list of 2020 best regional hospitals. We were the first hospital in the region to offer minimally invasive outpatient total knee replacement surgery.

Knee replacement surgery services

Our fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons have undergone extra training specific to knee surgery. They perform several types of knee replacement surgery, also known as knee arthroplasty. We offer:

Minimally invasive total knee arthroplasty (TKA)

Doctors use a smaller incision in this surgery – typically about 4 to 6 inches. With this smaller incision, doctors can leave muscles and tendons intact, reducing recovery time.

With TKA, you can expect:

• Less pain after surgery
• Reduced blood loss during surgery
• Same-day discharge or shorter hospital stay

Minimally invasive surgery isn’t right for everyone. Specialists consider your age, weight, activity level and overall health when deciding if TKA is right for you.

Knee resurfacing (partial knee replacement)

Surgeons replace part of the knee joint in this minimally invasive surgery, also known as partial knee replacement. Doctors make small incisions to remove only the damaged bone or tissue, leaving the healthy parts of your knee intact.

Once surgeons remove the damaged tissue or bone, they place artificial parts into your knee joint. Knee resurfacing is a less invasive surgery and is an option for those with stable knee ligaments and good mobility.

With knee resurfacing, you may have more natural motion because you keep your knee’s healthy bone, cartilage and ligaments. You can also expect less pain and quicker recovery time than with a total knee replacement.

Total knee replacement

Surgeons remove damaged bone and cartilage, then implant an artificial (prosthetic) knee joint.

In traditional knee replacement surgery, surgeons make an incision between 8 and 10 inches long in the knee’s center. They remove damaged bone and cartilage through this incision.

After surgeons remove the damaged area, they implant the artificial joint and add parts called spacers. Spacers create room that allows the new joint to move and bend freely.

Knee implant options

Manufacturers construct knee implants with different combinations of ceramic, metal and plastic. Our surgeons tailor the knee implant type we use to your age, gender, weight and activity level. We offer:

• High-flex knee replacements: These implants provide greater range of motion with 155 degrees of flex. Used primarily in younger patients who are more active, these implants allow movements such as kneeling.
• Custom knee implants: We tailor and shape implants specifically for your age, gender, weight and activity level to provide a more natural feel.

Preparing for knee replacement surgery

We help you get ready for surgery with Joint Camp, our one-day training class for people having hip replacement or knee replacement. You’ll learn:

• What to expect during surgery
• How to prepare your home for recovery
• How to use assistive equipment, such as canes

You’ll also meet with knee specialists from our orthopedic rehabilitation team to learn more about therapy after surgery. Attending our preoperative Joint Camp helps support your recovery and healing.

What to expect after knee replacement surgery

Physical therapy is an essential part of recovering from total knee replacement. We offer state-of-the-art rehabilitation services at clinics throughout Wisconsin.