Knee replacement surgery may be the best course of treatment for patients whose chronic knee pain cannot be managed through non-surgical means, like physical therapy and regenerative medicines. Such severe cases of knee pain are often caused by osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or post-traumatic arthritis brought on by sports injuries or other trauma to the knee – the body’s largest and arguably most complex joint. Patients in the Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Clearwater, Florida, areas who have attempted to remedy unrelenting knee pain without success are encouraged to consult with an orthopedist who can determine if knee replacement is a suitable treatment option.
Knee replacement surgery involves the removal of the damaged section of the joint from the bone’s surface, which is then prepared to hold an artificial joint. Fabricated from metal or plastic, the artificial joint is secured to the thigh bone, shin, and knee cap. This restores the knee’s alignment, enhancing function and reducing pain. The extent of knee replacement surgery will vary according to each patient’s specific diagnosis and lifestyle, but medical advances since the procedure’s introduction in the 1960’s have generally allowed surgeons to keep incision lengths to a minimum, usually about three to five inches.
If you live in the Tampa, St. Petersburg, or Clearwater, FL, area and would like to speak with an experienced orthopedic specialist regarding your persistent or worsening knee pain, turn to Tampa Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Group. We merge a traditional approach to patient care with leading-edge medical technology to provide exceptional, individualized treatment for a range of musculoskeletal issues. An example of our innovative technologies is the Stryker® Triathlon knee implant, which allows our knee replacement patients to enjoy increased mobility and less discomfort during the recovery process.
Dr. Daniel Murphy, our Board-certified orthopedic surgeon, educates patients about their knee conditions, listens to their concerns, and helps them make informed decisions regarding their care. Knee replacement may be suggested for certain patients after all appropriate non-surgical treatment options are explored.
Contact Tampa Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Group today to learn more information. We are proud to serve patients in the Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Clearwater, FL, areas.
