Knee pain is no joke. It can significantly hinder your mobility and have a major impact on your quality of life, especially when it no longer responds to medication or physical therapy. For many patients, surgery may be the answer to long-term relief. In this article Dr. Matthew Broggi, a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in knee replacements, sheds some light on when surgery may be beneficial, what to expect during recovery, and how we can help get you on the road to healing.
What is a Total Knee Replacement?
A total knee replacement is the definitive surgical treatment for end-stage arthritis of the knee. The procedure involves removing the worn-out cartilage and replacing it with metal components, allowing you to walk without painful bone-on-bone contact. For appropriate patients, the surgery can provide long lasting relief and help them return to everyday activities without debilitating pain.
When Should I Consider Knee Replacement Surgery?
Knee replacement is typically considered after non-operative treatments have failed. According to Dr. Broggi, patients may decide that knee replacement is right for them when:
- Pain persists despite medication, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes.
- Daily activities—such as walking, climbing stairs, or simply rising from a chair—become increasingly difficult.
- Pain becomes severe enough to interfere with sleep, work, or normal activities.
For patients experiencing these issues, a consultation with an orthopedic surgeon can help determine whether a knee replacement is the best option.
Benefits of Knee Replacement
A successful knee replacement can significantly reduce, or even eliminate, debilitating knee pain. Additional benefits include:
- Improved Mobility
With a stable, pain-free knee joint, patients often return to activities that were previously limited, such as walking, biking, and swimming.
- Increased Quality of Life
Following surgery, patients frequently report feeling renewed and able to engage in work and recreational activities without constant pain.
What to Expect During Surgery
The knee replacement procedure typically lasts a few hours. Most patients are out of bed within an hour or two after surgery, walking and beginning to work with physical therapy. The majority of patients are able to go home the same day and start physical therapy the following day.
Recovery and Rehabilitation
Patients often hear that physical therapy is the hardest part of recovering from a knee replacement. While it is true that physical therapy can be challenging, it is absolutely essential for long-term function. Dr. Broggi works closely with physical therapists all throughout Cartersville and Bartow County, providing instructional lunches and seminars to help ensure structured, high-quality rehabilitation. Most patients return to their daily activities within a few weeks and to low-impact activities within a few months.
Is a Knee Replacement the Right Surgery for You?
The decision to undergo a knee replacement is significant, and it is important that you undergo a full, thorough evaluation with an orthopedic surgeon you can trust. Dr. Broggi is fellowship-trained in joint replacement surgery and specializes in hip and knee replacements. For patients suffering from debilitating knee pain that affects their quality of life, a knee replacement may be the surgery that restores mobility, and ultimately, their independence.
Take the First Step Toward Relief
Don’t let knee pain control your life. Book your appointment today and let our team help you move confidently toward a pain-free future.
