Knee Arthritis
What Kind of Arthritis Do I Have?
Knee arthritis can have several causes. Osteoarthritis is the most common type and occurs when the protective cartilage within the joint gradually wears down. Arthritis can also develop following an injury, which is known as post-traumatic arthritis. Other forms of arthritis, including inflammatory conditions, can also affect the knee.
Your diagnosis is based on your medical history, symptoms, physical examination, and imaging studies. Understanding the cause and extent of your arthritis helps Dr. Hergan determine which treatment options may be appropriate.
What Are My Options for Knee Arthritis?
Treatment depends on the severity of arthritis and how much it affects your daily activities. Nonsurgical options may include activity modification, medications, physical therapy, and injections. If these treatments no longer provide adequate relief and arthritis significantly affects your quality of life, knee replacement may be considered.
Depending on which areas of the knee are affected, surgical options may include partial knee replacement or total knee replacement. Dr. Hergan also performs robotic-assisted knee replacement when appropriate.
What Technology Is Used to Perform My Knee Replacement?
For appropriate patients, Dr. Hergan uses robotic-assisted technology for knee replacement. The practice specifically offers Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted Technology for partial knee replacement.
With Mako, a CT scan is used to create a three-dimensional model of your knee. This model allows the surgical team to develop a personalized surgical plan based on your anatomy. During surgery, Dr. Hergan guides the robotic arm according to the surgical plan. The technology helps define the planned boundaries for bone preparation and implant positioning, while the surgeon remains in control throughout the procedure.
What Should I Expect Long-Term After Knee Replacement?
The goal of knee replacement is to reduce arthritis-related pain and improve your ability to perform everyday activities. Your long-term result depends on factors including your overall health, activity level, implant condition, rehabilitation, and how well you follow your postoperative instructions.
A knee replacement is not considered a lifetime guarantee, and implants can eventually wear or develop other problems. Maintaining a healthy weight, staying active with appropriate low-impact activities, and following your surgeon's recommendations may help protect your replacement over time. Your doctor can advise you about activities that are appropriate for your particular implant and recovery.
