Total Knee Replacement Specialist

What is a total knee replacement?

A total knee replacement, also known as knee arthroplasty, is one of the most successful surgeries in modern medicine. The procedure involves removing damaged or diseased tissue from your knee and replacing it with an artificial joint made of metal and medical-grade polyethylene. 

Your knee is a large, complex joint that plays a central role in how you move throughout the day. When a problem like arthritis causes chronic knee pain, it can prevent you from participating in sports, not to mention simply walking or using stairs.

The goal of a total knee replacement is to improve your quality of life by relieving knee pain and restoring functional mobility. 

When would I need a total knee replacement?

Total knee replacement is major surgery and never the first line of treatment for knee pain. Dr. Kane makes sure to explore all possible conservative treatments before he recommends any surgery.

You may be a candidate for total knee replacement if your knee pain persists despite nonsurgical treatments like physical therapy and medications. The signs and symptoms of advanced knee arthritis can be subtle---patients may find that they are finding "excuses" for not going out to dinner or the Mall, or not going on a long-awaited trip due to their knee disability.

What conditions does a total knee replacement treat?

Dr. Kane performs total knee replacements to repair the damage that results from a variety of conditions, such as:

• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Post-traumatic arthritis
• Knee fractures
  
  

If you already had a knee replacement that failed, Dr. Kane is trained to perform revision joint replacement procedures to correct the problem. 

What should I expect from a total knee replacement?

First, Dr. Kane thoroughly evaluates your knee and reviews your medical history to make sure total knee replacement is right for you. If your condition only affects one section of your knee joint, he may recommend a partial knee replacement.

Dr. Kane performs knee replacement surgery while you’re under general or regional anesthesia. The procedure usually takes a few hours, and you may need to stay in the hospital overnight. After surgery, Dr. Kane recommends a rehabilitation plan that includes physical therapy, and an individualized comprehensive recovery program. 

As the first fellowship-trained total joint surgeon in the state of Hawaii, you’re sure to be in good hands with Dr. Kane at Kane Orthopedic Institute. Call or book an appointment online today.