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The Top Questions For Strong Knees

If you were to add up the number of my past hip, shoulder, and knee replacement surgery patients, I might well have operated on more joints than any other Fremont orthopedic surgeon. Thanks to ongoing advances in medical science, all these procedures are becoming very commonplace. My opinion is that nothing’s “run-of-the-mill” when you’re on the operating table, though, so here are some of the common questions I get from my patients. Lots of whom had me replace their hips return to have me take care of their knees and vice versa. My answers should help to put you more at ease.

Q: How will I know whether I need a total knee replacement or a partial one?

A: Before any sort of surgery is selected, I examine all joints and areas around the diseased knee. Replacing a knee joint that is adjacent to an significantly damaged joint has to end in a great improvement in function, otherwise I won’t do a total replacement. If you can get acceptable results with a partial, although it will have moving parts, that is the one we are going for. In any case, you and this choice together.

Q: How long can I expect the knee replacement to last?

A: I have patients who are still running strongly after twenty years. Actually, we joke about it sometimes at work and say, “their knee will outlast them.”

Q: Can somebody be declined for knee replacement because of age?

A: Well, you will not be turned down for being too old, so long as you are in fairly good health and can handle mild post op pain. But ideally, you should be over 50. Nonetheless if you hurt your knee in an accident of some sort, age is inconsequential there. Or if you blow out your knee as a fullback for the Raiders, or if sports or athletics is your livelihood, I’ll personally see to it that you are back in the game!

Q: Have knee replacement surgery techniques improved?

They certainly have! In the past 30 years, the advancements have been significant. Procedures have become far less invasive and with a higher degree of patient customization. And, patient recovery time is faster, thanks to advances in the usage of anesthesia nerve blocks and more precise prosthesis fittings.

Q: At what point should I consult a medical practitioner about my knee discomfort?

A: About the same time when you realize it is not going to improve on it’s own. If your knee is in pain for 2-3 weeks and you cannot put your finger on why, the time’s come. Especially, if you can no longer do the simple movements in life, like walking or standing up without pain. I’ll be the last one to tell you that you require something done unless there is no other way.

Don’t let the discomfort and lack of mobility continue to restrict your quality of life! If you would like a preliminary consultation with a Fremont orthopedic surgeon to ascertain whether knee replacement surgery is right for you, call my office today.

Dr. Miguel Pinche has been a Hayward orthopedic surgeon for over 30 years. He regularly shares his insights on procedures like knee replacement surgery online.

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