Our newest billboard in Kingman and Fort Mohave features the tag line, "Is your knee trying to tell you something?" It's a lighthearted look at a very serious problem for millions of Americans. Knee arthritis affects both men and women and the symptoms typically do not improve over time. If you suffer from knee pain and swelling be sure to speak with your physician or make an appointment to determine the source of pain. There are multiple interventions that are available to help diminish the symptoms. Some things you might try doing on your own:

Recent research from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has indicated that Americans are exercising more, however, those with arthritis tend to exercise less due to pain and decreased mobility.

As with all surgical procedures certain risks are involved after knee replacement. 

The complication rate following knee replacement surgery is low. Serious complications, such as joint infection, occur in fewer than 2% of patients. Major medical complications, such as heart attack or stroke, occur even less frequently. Chronic illnesses, however, may increase the potential for complications. When complications occur they can prolong or limit full recovery.

Blood clots in the leg veins are the most common complication following knee replacement surgery (see picture). The AAOS recommends one or more measures to prevent blood clots from forming in your leg veins or, if they do form, measures to prevent them from becoming symptomatic. These measures will include support hose (TED hose), inflatable leg coverings (SCD’s), ankle pump exercises, early mobility after surgery, and a blood thinner (Aspirin, Coumadin or Lovenox).

After surgery you are at risk for Pneumonia. Your nurse will instruct you on the use of the Incentive Spirometer to help expand your lungs and significantly reduce your risk. You will also be asked to cough and deep breathe. Early mobilization and discharge are also effective ways to limit your risk of pneumonia.

Although implant designs and materials as well as surgical techniques have been optimized, wear of the bearing surfaces or loosening of the components may occur. Additionally, although an average of 120° of motion is generally anticipated after surgery, scarring of the knee can occasionally occur, and motion may be more limited, particularly in patients with limited motion before surgery. Finally, although rare, injury to the nerves or blood vessels around the knee can occur during surgery causing numbness or foot drop.                                                                             

The Do’s and Don’ts  following Total Knee Replacement:

• Avoid repetitive heavy lifting
• Avoid excessive stair climbing
• Maintain appropriate weight
• Stay healthy and active
• Avoid "impact loading" sports such as jogging, downhill skiing, baseball, basketball, football, hockey, soccer, power lifting, hang gliding, rock climbing, gymnastics and high impact aerobics
• Think before you move
• Avoid any physical activities involving quick stop-start motion, twisting or impact stresses
• Avoid excessive bending when weight bearing, like climbing steep stairs
• Do Not lift or push heavy objects
• Avoid kneeling 
• Avoid low seating surfaces and chairs
• Do participate in activities including bowling, croquet, golf, yoga, thai chi, doubles tennis, table tennis, ballroom dancing, walking, swimming, rowing, water aerobics, line dancing, cycling, square dancing, belly dancing or Pilates.
• Do cut back on your therapy and exercises if your muscles begin to ache or become sore, but don’t stop doing them altogether. If you feel pain after 2 hours of exercise then back down the therapy or activity by half the time.

I often get asked the question, "How long will my new knee or hip last?"

Computer-assisted (CAS) joint replacement surgery uses special trackers that are attached to parts 

of the bone. The trackers are detected by an infrared camera that is connected to a computer. 

The computer then generates a ʻvirtual model of the extremity in real time. 

The computer assists in guiding the placement of the implants and assists with positioning and correct alignment of the joint replacement.  One of the most critical aspects of a joint replacement surgery is to ensure proper positioning of the implant. A misaligned implant can lead to early wear, loosening, and persistent pain. Similar to the alignment of the wheels on your car, a poorly aligned joint replacement will cause problems with early wear. 

Standard referencing instruments confirm the position of the hip or knee implant, however, the 

computer provides an additional state of the art, real-time confirmation. 

Currently, I am using the computer with both hip and knee replacements with much success. 

 

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