For the amount of wear and tear we put on our joints, it’s no wonder they eventually give out and need some repair. Of all our joints, it’s possible that knees need attention most frequently, as they are part of every type of movement a person can undertake. To understand more about total knee replacement surgery and its alternatives, Dr. Torrance Walker, an orthopedic surgeon at Methodist McKinney Hospital (MMH), lends his expertise.
According to Dr. Walker, there are three condition types that most commonly lead to total knee replacement surgery.
The first is osteoarthritis (OA), the most common form of knee arthritis. OA is usually a slowly progressive “wear and tear” condition in which the joint cartilage gradually wears away, typically affecting middle-age to older patients. The second condition is rheumatoid arthritis (RA), an inflammatory type of arthritis that can destroy joint cartilage and can occur at any age. The final condition that is becoming increasingly common is post-traumatic arthritis, which can develop after an isolated injury that may or may not have required surgery. This single traumatic event may cause an imbalance in the knee that further leads to a slow, gradual breakdown of cartilage. Post-traumatic arthritis is similar to OA in that it may take several years or even decades to develop.
Total knee replacement, explains Dr. Walker, is usually an option for patients who have no relief from other non-operative treatments, such as anti-inflammatory medications, steroid or hyaluronic acid injections, physical therapy and bracing. The average age of most patients seeking knee replacement surgery is mid-60s. However, OA is becoming more common in younger active patients aged 40-50, especially in those who have an old sports injury.
Dr. Walker describes the outlook for a patient following knee replacement surgery as “great.” Patients commonly resume an active lifestyle and enjoy the activities they want, such as hiking, swimming, hunting, biking and traveling. However, Dr. Walker warns against playing basketball or participating in an Ironman-type race, as these high-impact activities may cause the knee replacement to wear out faster.
For Dr. Walker, who has been in practice for eight years, the staff and operating facilities at MMH are what set it apart. The great operating room teams and most up-to-date technology—including the RIO Robotic Arm Interactive Orthopedic System—allow surgeons there to do their best work. Additionally, total knee replacement patients may undergo the “fast track” protocol, in which patients are mobilized and allowed full weight bearing within a few hours after surgery, making their hospital stay shorter.
“Methodist McKinney Hospital is a great place for patients to have an exceptional care experience for their total knee replacement surgery,” concludes Dr. Walker.
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