Joint Replacement & Resurfacing
Total Knee Replacement
At WestSound Orthopaedics in Silverdale, Washington, we perform an extensive medical evaluation as well as thorough diagnostic testing to properly assess the condition of the knee in consideration of knee replacement surgery. In a healthy knee, bone surfaces are smooth and hard. Direct contact between the bones is protected by tissue called cartilage. In an unhealthy knee, this cartilage has been damaged or worn, causing the bones to directly rub together. This causes great pain and eventually deteriorates the surfaces of the bones. Unfortunately damaged cartilage cannot replace itself. One option for addressing this problem is total knee replacement.
In total knee replacement surgery, precision instruments are used to remove the areas of bone that are damaged and resurface the remaining bone with metal alloys, high-grade plastics and polymers. In recent years some surgeons have also begun using computerized technology to help the surgeon precisely align the artificial knee joint in the bone, which may increase the long-term effectiveness of the new knee.
Please visit our interactive Patient Education Library to learn more about total joint replacement.
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Computer-assisted Knee Surgery
During computer-assisted surgery (CAS), a model of the knee is developed using information taken from a special instrument that outlines the contour of the knee. An infrared camera attached to a computer sees signals from this instrument. The computer then develops a model of the knee and displays its image on a monitor, which helps guide the surgeon's attachment of the artificial implant to the bone. Along with the surgeon's skill and experience, computer-assisted knee surgery provides exact referencing of surgical bone removal for more precise alignment of the implant. The result is a knee that is better aligned and will last longer.
Our physicians utilize this technology at our local hospital, Harrison Medical Center. Your surgeon will discuss with you whether this is the best surgical option for your knee replacement surgery.
In the 1950s, the first artificial knees were little more than crude hinges. Now that more than 300,000 knee replacement surgeries are performed each year, you and your WestSound Orthopaedics doctor can choose from a wide variety of designs that take into account your age, weight, activity level, and overall health. Most knee replacement joints attempt to replicate your knee's natural ability to roll and glide as it bends.
Please visit our Patient Education Library to learn more about joint replacement.
For more information about joint replacement surgery in Silverdale, Washington, please call WestSound Orthopaedics at 360-698-6630 or use our online appointment request form.
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