Knee Replacement
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Phoenix Orthopedic Group
Robert A. Mileski, MD
Sports Medicine Doctor & Orthopedic Surgeon located in Scottsdale, AZ
If knee pain hinders your quality of life, a knee replacement can help you feel better and enjoy activities you once loved. At Phoenix Orthopedic Group in Scottsdale, Arizona, board-certified orthopedic surgeon Robert Mileski, MD, and his team assess, diagnose, and treat knee injuries using non-surgical and surgical methods. He performs partial knee replacements, total knee replacements, and MAKOplasties using innovative robotic technology. Call to learn more or book an appointment online with Phoenix Medical Group today.
Knee Replacement Q & A
What is a knee replacement?
Knee replacement surgery, also known as knee arthroplasty, relieves chronic knee pain in severely diseased or injured knee joints. It’s a procedure that involves removing damaged knee parts and replacing them with an artificial knee joint made of polymers, high-grade plastics, and metal alloys. Depending on the severity of joint damage, you might require a:
Total knee replacement
During a total knee replacement, Dr. Mileski replaces your entire knee joint with artificial components.
Partial knee replacement
Dr. Mileski replaces some, but not all, parts of your knee joint with prosthetic parts during a partial knee replacement.
MAKOplasty
MAKOplasties, also known as robotic arm-assisted partial knee resurfacing, are less invasive than traditional knee replacements and preserve the healthy tissue in your knee.
Dr. Mileski lets you know which procedure best matches your needs and is most likely to restore your knee function to its fullest.
Am I a candidate for knee replacement?
If chronic knee pain bothers you and prevents you from completing everyday tasks, you might be a good candidate for a total or partial knee replacement. Common causes of knee replacements include:
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Post traumatic arthritis
- Severe knee injuries
Wear and tear associated with aging, especially if you’re between ages 50-80, might make you a good candidate for a knee replacement.
What should I expect during the procedure?
Dr. Mileski lets you know what to expect before, during, and after knee replacement surgery. On the day of the procedure, you receive general anesthesia to put you asleep or spinal anesthesia, which allows you to stay awake but not feel pain from the waist down. You receive antibiotics before, during, and after surgery to prevent infection.
Dr. Mileski makes an incision about 6-10 inches long and removes your kneecap. He cuts away damaged parts of your knee and prepares the knee surface before attaching artificial implants. He rotates the new prosthesis to ensure proper function, and closes up your incision.
Surgery usually lasts 1-2 hours, depending on the type of knee replacement required. After the procedure, you relocate to a recovery room for several hours and move to a hospital room where you’ll stay for a few days.
Dr. Mileski prescribes medication as needed to control pain and prevent blood clots while you recover. To reduce swelling, you'll wear support hose or compression boots.
Under the guidance of Dr. Mileski and his team, you can gradually increase physical activity and begin physical therapy to strengthen your new knee. Healing may take 3-6 weeks.
Over time you experience pain relief, better mobility, and an improved quality of life. By maintaining your therapy routine and avoiding certain high-impact activities, your new knee can last 15 years or longer.
If knee problems cause you pain and limit your activity, schedule an appointment with Phoenix Orthopedic Group by phone or online today.
