Knee Pain & Replacements
Knee Pain & When to Consider Knee Replacements
Your knee joints are both the largest and most complex joints in your body. It is considered a hinge joint, which simply means it allows the leg to extend and bend back and forth with very little side-to-side motion. While any joint in the body is susceptible to arthritis, it is particularly common in the knee joints making general day to day tasks difficult. If you find it more difficult to walk, climb stairs, or get up and down, or you simply are not as mobile as you would like to be, it may be time to discuss a knee replacement.
Some other knee pain symptoms that may lead to a knee replacement recommendation include but are not limited to:
- Persistent pain that recurs over time
- Trouble getting a good night’s sleep
- Pain during rainy weather
- Medication management or walking aids do not bring the desired relief
- Aches or pain during and/or after exercise
- Stiffness after long periods of sitting
Types of Knee Replacement Surgery
There are two types of knee replacement surgeries: partial and total. Which type of knee replacement is recommended is dependent upon the condition of the various parts that make up the knee. A partial knee replacement is a surgical procedure that helps relieve arthritis in one or two of the three compartments of the knee. Only the damaged area of the knee joint is replaced which helps minimize trauma to healthy bone and tissues. With total knee replacement, the entire knee joint is diseased or injured and all three of the compartments of the knee is replaced.
Triathlon Knee System
The Triathlon knee replacement is different from a traditional knee replacement. It’s single radius design is meant to work with the body to promote a natural-like circular motion. This system is used for total knee replacement procedures.
Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted Technology (MAKOplasty®)
The Mako Robotic Arm Assisted Surgery technology has transformed joint replacement procedures. This system is used by surgeons to perform total hip, partial and total knee replacements. It first became available in June of 2006 and had helped surgeons perform surgical plans more accurately. The Mako System helps surgeons provide patients with a more personalized surgical experience. It also protects soft tissues and ligaments allowing for a quicker recovery and typically lower pain than conventional joint replacements.
iovera° Cold Treatment
What is the iovera° treatment?
The iovera° treatment uses the body’s natural response to cold to treat peripheral nerves and immediately reduce pain—without the use of drugs. Treated nerves are temporarily stopped from sending pain signals for a period of time, followed by a restoration of function.
It is important to note that the iovera° therapy does not treat the underlying cause of the pain. Timely remediation is necessary to address and treat the cause of pain.
How does iovera° treatment work?
The iovera° treatment works by applying targeted cold to a peripheral nerve. A precise cold zone is formed under the skin—cold enough to immediately prevent the nerve from sending pain signals without causing damage to surrounding structures. The effect on the nerve is temporary, providing pain relief until the nerve regenerates and function is restored.
The iovera° treatment does not include injection of any substance, opioid, or any other drug. The effect of this treatment is immediate and can last up to 90 days.
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