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Knee Replacement Surgery

Knee Replacement Surgery In East Mesa

Your search for a knee replacement doctor in East Mesa is over because you have found Dr. Hatfield. Dr. Hatfield is one of the best knee replacement doctors in East Mesa. He is an orthopedic surgeon with a sub-specialty in arthroscopic surgery such as shoulder rotator cuff repairs, ACL reconstruction, and total knee arthroplasty.

Here is everything you need to know about knee replacement surgery to help you care for your knee.

 

What Is Knee Replacement Surgery? 

The procedure is also called knee arthroplasty, and it is performed to relieve pain and restore functionality to your knee joints. The doctor will cut the damaged cartilage and bone away from your shinbone, thigh bone, and kneecap to replace it with a prosthesis. The prosthesis is made of special alloy or high-grade plastics and polymers.

Your orthopedic surgeon will diagnose your condition by checking your knee to determine the extent of the damage. The doctor can then assess whether or not you need knee replacement surgery. The prosthesis chosen will depend on your weight, age, activity level, knee size and shape, and health.

 

When Should I Get My Knee Replaced?

Once you have exhausted all your treatment options but find that your knee still hurts, then your doctor may suggest knee replacement surgery. The procedure can reduce the pain from your knee and improve your movement ability.

 

Here is a list of reasons to get knee replacement surgery:

  1. Bowing in or out of your legs.
  2. Intolerable pain even when using NSAIDs.
  3. Moderate to severe pain while you rest in the day or night time.
  4. When you can no longer perform everyday tasks because of severe knee pain.
  5. Swelling and inflammation that lasts long and does not improve with medication.

 

Common Preparations Before Knee Replacement Surgery
Here is a list of preparations that can make your recovery from knee replacement surgery easier.
  1. Have cold packs ready to alleviate any swelling.
  2. Prepare meals and buy toiletries in advance to avoid having to buy them.
  3. Remove tripping hazards such as rugs and electrical cords to prevent injuries.
  4. Install grab bars in showers and toilets to make going to the bathroom easier.
  5. Keep your bedroom and leisure area confined to the first floor to avoid the stairs.
  6. Put a waterproof stool in your shower area to avoid standing on a slippery surface.
  7. Create a schedule for when your spouse or a helper delivers meals to your space.
  8. Make the necessary preparations to ensure you get to your rehabilitation appointments.
  9. Use delivery services if you ever need to buy anything to minimize the strain on your body.
  10. You can use anti-slip mats for your shower area to minimize the risks of slipping in the shower.
  11. Make transportation arrangements because the majority of patients cannot drive in their first to the sixth week after your surgery.
  12. Set up someone who will accompany you after the surgery to get you home because you will not be able to move properly after the surgery.