Knee Replacement Specialist

What is a knee replacement?

A knee replacement is a procedure to remove damaged portions of your knee and restore them using plastic and metal parts. Dr. Cooper uses the state-of-the-art Mako SmartRobotics™ system to maximize his surgical precision and produce the best possible results. 

A knee replacement can vastly improve your quality of life, allowing you to resume activities that you’ve had to put aside due to pain and stiffness.

Who is a good candidate for a knee replacement?

You might be a knee replacement candidate if you have chronic knee pain that's disrupting your quality of life. The vast majority of knee replacement candidates have end-stage arthritis in the knee. The most common type of knee arthritis requiring this surgery is osteoarthritis, but rheumatoid and post-traumatic arthritis can also require knee replacement. 

If you've already tried conservative solutions for knee pain, like anti-inflammatory medication, weight loss, physical therapy, and injections, but still struggle with daily or near-daily knee pain, Dr. Cooper might recommend knee replacement. 

Most knee replacement patients are 50-80 years old, but Dr. Cooper considers your situation on an individual basis, so you may need the care at a younger or older age. 

How does robotic knee replacement work?

Before your surgery, Dr. Cooper uses 3D computed tomography (CT) imaging and planning software to design an individualized knee replacement plan according to your individual anatomy.

During the surgery, Dr. Cooper directs the robotic arms to make very precise movements. The robotic arms never make any movement on their own. 

The Mako system helps Dr. Cooper to pinpoint the exact areas to remove bone, and the AccuStop™ technology prevents any unnecessary bone loss. In addition, the Mako system helps Dr. Cooper to place your knee implants with the greatest accuracy possible. 

Ultimately, the Mako system helps Dr. Cooper implement his predesigned surgical plan with perfect precision. 

What type of knee replacement do I need?

The specifics of your knee replacement vary with the location and severity of your knee disease. 

Total knee replacement

If all three compartments of your knee — the inside (medial), outside (lateral), and kneecap (patellofemoral) — are diseased, you'll typically have a total knee replacement. 

Partial knee replacement

If you have early- to midstage arthritis in just one or two of the three compartments, you may need a partial knee replacement instead. In a partial knee replacement, Dr. Cooper replaces only the diseased parts and leaves the healthy part of your knee intact. 

Dr. Cooper uses the Mako system for both partial and total knee replacements because it provides the most accurate implant placement and the best results.

When can I resume my activities after knee replacement?

Although it varies with the individual, their rehab plan, and their goals, people who have Mako robot-assisted knee replacements often walk as soon as the day of the surgery. Many people return home the day of surgery or the next day. They commonly return to regular activities within a few weeks. 

Clinical studies show that people who have Mako knee replacement have less pain during recovery and a higher patient satisfaction rate than those who had a standard knee replacement. 

To learn more about Mako knee replacement, call Joe Cooper, MD, or book an appointment online now.