Knee replacement

Over time, we have cultivated a reputation for positive patient outcomes, and this is because of our deeply-rooted commitment to bettering your health. Anything we can do to provide better outcomes for you is something we prioritize, and that starts with implementing new technologies to further our surgical practices.

Nickel-free knee replacements

We treat your condition like the unique one that it is, and we recognize that conventional knee replacement techniques may not be right for you, either from a physiological or allergy standpoint. Nickel is frequently used in replacement joints and nickel allergies are extremely common. If this applies to you, we offer alternative replacement knee joints at all of our locations. We can also refer you to one of our affiliate facilities prior to surgery to be absolutely certain about any potential complications as a result of allergies to nickel or plastic or the bonding agent, otherwise known as bone cement.

Intraoperative computer navigation

One of the ways we have continued to evolve our surgical processes is through the use of hand-held computer navigation units. These systems provide your surgeon with real-time navigation and alignment information, creating a more accurate, minimally invasive surgical alignment, without the insertion of a rod. Traditional rods can affect your recovery and cause more bleeding from the bone.

Our computer navigation units are about the size of a smartphone, and act as a GPS for your surgeon, using sophisticated micro-sensors to ensure accuracy and reduce the risk of malalignment. These sensors deploy the same precision technology that is used by rockets, missiles and airplanes, and we are proud to be able to bring this added level of accuracy to your procedure.

Press-fit knee replacement

Otherwise known as "press-fit arthroplasty," this type of knee replacement surgery is accomplished without the use of bone cement or glue, which, traditionally, attaches the artificial knee to the bone. Instead, it uses porous metal implants that allow your bone to grow and permanently bond to the implant without the use of cement. This technique minimizes potential issues resulting from cement breakdown.

Robotic knee replacement surgery

Our orthopedic surgeons use minimally invasive techniques to meet your unique needs and provide better, more effective treatments.

Minimally invasive procedures use leading-edge technology for precise incisions and implant placement, enabling a more positive outcome for you. Robotic knee replacements also bring about faster recovery times, shorter hospital stays, higher success rates and a more natural feeling knee.

We offer robot-assisted knee replacement procedures at:

• OrthoONE at Rose Medical Center
  
• OrthoONE at Presbyterian/St. Luke’s Medical Center
• OrthoONE at Swedish Medical Center

When nonsurgical means have proven ineffective, knee replacement surgery can become necessary. This can bring about less pain, increased quality of life and revived mobility and function after just a few months of rehabilitation. We offer a variety of different types of surgeries, depending on your condition.

Total knee replacement

Total knee replacement replaces your entire joint with artificial prosthetics. During the procedure, your surgeon will move the patella (kneecap) to the side before removing the damaged portions of your femur (thighbone), tibia (shinbone), anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and, if necessary, the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL). The tibia and femur are then capped with metal implants that recreate the surface of the joint, while the undersurface of the patella is resurfaced with plastic prosthetics.

Partial knee replacement

Partial knee replacement surgery is performed to replace only a portion of your damaged knee. Usually, the procedure is done with smaller incisions, which decreases your recovery time and allows you to resume normal activities faster. Although not everyone is a suitable candidate for the procedure, a partial knee replacement tends to be a better option for people who may be too young or too active for a total knee replacement.

Our physicians perform both medial compartment (inside portion of the knee) and patellofemoral (kneecap and the groove it sits in) partial replacement surgery.