Juneau Knee Replacement
Quality Orthopedic Procedures for Knee Injuries
Knee injuries can be very serious and may impact many aspects of your day-to-day life. Whether you injured your knee in an accident, a fall, or the joint has been damaged by arthritis, the impact of living with knee pain can affect every step you take. Sometimes the knee cartilage can be repair or restored. In cases where the damage is very severe, a total knee replacement may be the best possible treatment. If left untreated, normal daily activities can come to a grinding halt.
At Enhance Orthopedic Surgery, our experienced orthopedic surgeon, alongside our qualified medical staff, can help you regain your knee.
Call us at (907) 444-5501 to schedule a consultation for knee replacement surgery in Juneau.
Common Knee Problems
Natural articular cartilage allows joints to glide and the meniscus acts as a cushion to reduce pressure. When these tissues start to fail it causes joint pain.
Some of the most common types of knee damage come from:
- Osteoarthritis - the most common cause of knee damage. Osteoarthritis is the wearing thin of cartilage resulting in painful grinding of joint surfaces.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis - another cause of knee pain from the autoimmune response of the lining around the joint called the synovium. This may also be referred to as inflammatory arthritis.
- Gout - another cause of joint pain and is caused by uric acid crystals settling in joints. This is a form of crystalline arthritis.
When a person sustains a knee trauma every attempt is made to repair the cartilage surface to maintain its function. Post-traumatic arthritis can develop as the result of a serious knee injury when the original injury energy cause too much damage to the cartilage for it to heal. This type of arthritis can happen after a broken bone, torn knee ligament, or other injuries to the knee joint itself or surrounding tissue. Post-traumatic arthritis typically causes limited motion and grinding pain.
Knee Replacement Surgery
When the doctor performs a total knee replacement surgery, many components of the knee, including cartilage and bone, will be completely substituted with artificial medical surfaces. Damaged portions of the tibia and femur will likely be replaced with metal implants, and where the cartilage once cushioned the joint a special plastic glider will be inserted. This spacer will reduce friction and create a smooth surface for the joint. The kneecap, or patella cartilage, will also be resurfaced, if necessary.
Remember, each patient has his or her own unique needs. For this reason, Dr. Hightower will tailor a specialized treatment plan to create the best fit for your life.
Treatment You Need at a Price You Can Afford
At Enhance Orthopedic Surgery we love seeing patients recover function and live free of pain. If you have severe arthritis in your knee or have suffered an injury, we want to help you find the right treatment. A total knee replacement isn’t for everyone, but it might be the best solution for you. Reach out to our offices and set up an appointment with our experienced surgeon to find out what we can do for you.
Call Enhance Orthopedic Surgery, LLC today or contact us online to learn more about our total knee replacement options in Juneau.