Knee Replacement

WellSpan: The Knee ExpertssubHeadH2 accessibility

Year after year, mile after mile, your knees support you and get you where you need to be. Not surprisingly, knees are vulnerable to injury. Sometimes the damage is the result of aging, as in the case of arthritis. But other knee problems arise from twisting or spraining the knee during activities such skiing or basketball.

Whatever the cause of your knee pain, it can significantly disrupt your daily routines. Simple activities such as walking and climbing stairs become a chore. Even lying down may not relieve your discomfort.

At WellSpan Orthopedics, we’re focused on getting you back to the life you enjoy. We start by listening to your goals and working with you to design a treatment plan to put those goals within reach. For some people, a nonsurgical approach is the right choice. While for others, a total knee replacement provides the best possibility to be restored to health.

As a WellSpan patient, you’ll work with some of the most skilled doctors you’ll find anywhere. And because we believe that relationships are the key to good health, you’ll also have the support of the entire WellSpan organization as well as other WellSpan and non-WellSpan providers, community organizations, and family and co-workers.

How We Can Help

Your doctor may discuss knee replacement surgery if your knee joints are severely damaged and if therapy, medication and lifestyle modification have not relieved pain.

During a total knee replacement, your surgeon will cut away damaged bone and cartilage around your knee joint, including from your thighbone, shin and knee cap. The bone and cartilage will then be replaced with an artificial joint. Today’s joints are most often made from metal alloys, high-grade plastics and polymers.

Recovery from knee replacement surgery can vary based on the individual’s health prior to surgery, other medical conditions that may be present and one's commitment to rehab. Your doctor and team will work closely with you before your surgery so that you can know what to expect before, during and after your procedure.

Rehab and exercises are an important part of recovery. Your team will ask that you begin moving your foot and ankle soon after surgery. As you continue to recover, a therapist will begin working with you to help you regain and build strength after surgery. Learn more about rehabilitation at WellSpan.

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