Knee Replacement Orthopedic Surgeon Near Amityville, NY

A knee replacement surgery should be considered a final treatment option when other less invasive therapeutic approaches have not worked well enough. Patients who experience severe inflammation and pain that negatively impacts their daily life, those whose knees hurt even when they are resting, and those who have developed a deformity such as a bowing of their knees may be good candidates for knee replacement surgery. There are no specific weight or age restrictions for patients to be considered for a knee replacement procedure, so it is important to speak with an orthopedic surgeon who can offer specific recommendations based on your situation. In general, patients who undergo a knee replacement surgery are aged 50 or over.

There are 4 primary components to a knee replacement surgery. During the first step, damaged cartilage is removed from the ends of the tibia and femur. Your surgeon will also remove a very small amount of the bone beneath this cartilage. Then, metal implants will be inserted to replace the removed tissue and bone. The third step will require that the undersurface of the kneecap be cut, then resurfaced with a plastic button, though this step is not completed in every case. Finally, a plastic spacer will be inserted between the metal pieces that have already been placed in order to create a smooth, comfortable glide in the reconstructed joint. Choosing a board-certified orthopedic surgeon is extremely important to ensure that your knee replacement procedure goes smoothly and provides you with the best possible outcome.

You will need to schedule a consultation with a knee replacement surgeon in order to understand whether this procedure is a good choice for your needs. This consultation will consist of a medical history, a physical examination, and x-ray imaging. Depending on your condition, your doctor may also order additional testing such as MRI scans or blood tests to determine the total condition of the knee. Once your surgeon has the full view of your knee’s function, they will be able to help you determine the best treatment method to help you enjoy a more comfortable life with better mobility. If your surgeon determines that a knee replacement is not right for you, other treatments such as corticosteroid injections, physical therapy, or anti-inflammatory medications may be suggested first. There are also increasingly successful regenerative therapies that can sometimes help repair soft tissue damage if that is the root cause of your pain.

If you are interested in speaking with a board-certified orthopedic surgeon to discuss whether a knee replacement surgery may be right for you, contact Dr. Paul Dicpinigaitis MD to schedule an appointment today.