Total Knee Replacement Specialist
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Otis R. Drew, MD
Orthopaedic Surgeon located in Lafayette, LA
When your knee is damaged due to injury or arthritis, daily activity can be difficult, and simple therapies, such as exercise, icing, and pain medication, may not resolve your pain. Consult orthopedic surgeon Dr. Otis Drew to determine if you’re a candidate for a total knee replacement. This procedure can restore your function and relieve pain. If you’re in the area of Lafayette, Louisiana, call the office or use the online booking agent to set up an appointment and find out more about total knee replacement.
Total Knee Replacement Q & A
Why might I need a total knee replacement?
Osteoarthritis is a common reason you might need a knee replacement. Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage of your knee gradually wears away and is usually a result of aging. Dr. Drew might recommend a total knee replacement if you have any of the following challenges associated with osteoarthritis:
- Knee pain that’s so severe that it limits your daily activities
- Severe pain that occurs even when you’re resting or disturbs your sleep
- Chronic swelling and inflammation that can’t be relieved with conservative therapies such as medication and rest
What causes osteoarthritis of the knee?
Osteoarthritis is sometimes just a natural result of aging. The following factors increase your risk of developing the condition:
- An injury or trauma to the knee joint
- Being overweight or obese
- Repetitive overuse
- Genetic propensity
- Connective tissue disorders
Dr. Drew performs a comprehensive exam, considers your symptoms, and reviews imaging tests, such as X-rays and MRIs, to diagnose osteoarthritis and determine if a knee replacement is right for you.
What should I expect during a total knee replacement?
You are administered general anesthesia to undergo knee surgery. Dr. Drew then makes an incision and exposes the knee joint.
He removes the damaged portions of the joint and creates a smooth surface on which to fix the implants that are customized to you. He uses a specialized bone cement or screws to attach the custom implants, ensures the new joint slides smoothly, and carefully closes the incision.
Following surgery, you recover from the anesthesia and may spend the night in the hospital. Rehabilitation begins almost immediately. You’ll be given crutches or a walker to help you walk.
Dr. Otis will also provide you with a continuous passive motion or CPM, machine to passively move your joint. You relax as the machine continually moves your joint through a controlled range of motion.
A physical therapist provides you with an at-home exercise plan to strengthen the muscles around your knee and to continue to improve your range of motion and confidence with your new knee.
If you have pain in your knee when walking, resting, or doing other daily activities because of severe arthritic pain, you may benefit from a total knee replacement. Call Dr. Drew’s office or book an appointment online to learn more about how this procedure can help you resume your normal activities.
