Knee replacement
Cartilage in your knee can become damaged from arthritis, injury or normal wear-and-tear. If you are experiencing chronic knee pain or limited function, you may benefit from a knee replacement surgery. During this procedure, an orthopedic surgeon will remove the affected cartilage and replace it with artificial pieces.
Knee replacement surgeons in Broward County, Florida
Chronic knee pain can limit your everyday activities and keep you from enjoying life, so we are here to get you back to normal as quickly as possible. HCA Florida University Hospital offers total and partial knee replacement surgery, including robotic-arm-assisted technology, to relieve pain and restore mobility.
No matter the reason for your knee replacement, our experienced team of orthopedic surgeons, doctors, nurses and physical therapists work with you to create a personalized treatment plan so you can get back to the activities you love. We understand the prospect of a joint replacement surgery can be intimidating, so our commitment to patient care also extends to providing education and a nurturing environment so you feel confident going into surgery and recovery.
Related specialties
Learn more about our related specialties
Conditions we treat with knee replacement surgery
Knee replacement surgery can become necessary when your mobility is reduced as a result of a worn or damaged knee joint, causing pain even while resting. This can come from numerous conditions, including:
- Blood supply issues that cause bone degeneration
- Bone growth disorders
- Gout
- Hemophilia
- Knee injury or deformity with loss of cartilage
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
Our knee replacement surgery services
While the first lines of defense for chronic knee pain are typically anti-inflammatory medications, injections and physical therapy, those treatments do not correct underlying causes of pain and are sometimes not enough. If your doctor recommends a knee replacement, our surgical specialists will substitute or replace one or both sides of your knee joint with artificial parts to help you regain your mobility.
Knee replacement surgery
Total knee replacement
A total knee replacement involves removing the damaged bone and cartilage from the knee joint and replacing it with an artificial joint.
Prior to surgery, a 3D model of the knee is created using computerized tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. From this model, an anatomically correct, custom knee is created. After a total knee replacement, you will typically spend three to five days in the hospital as our orthopedic specialists guide you through recovery.
Partial knee replacement
Partial knee replacement is similar to total knee replacement in many ways. However, there are some advantages of partial knee replacement to total knee replacement, including:
- The procedure involves a smaller incision than total knee replacement, resulting in less tissue damage, reduced bleeding and less scarring.
- The muscles, tendons and ligaments surrounding the knee are not detached and are not cut. As a result, there is less pain associated with the surgery.
The latest surgical technology paired with highly experienced surgeons
Our highly experienced surgeons use the latest technology to deliver the most accurate and effective care possible, including robotic-arm-assisted knee replacement surgery. Because of its high accuracy, this advanced surgical capability may provide patients with reduced pain, scarring and recovery time.
Robotic knee replacement surgery
Robotic-assisted surgery allows for small incisions and more control, creating access to detailed visuals while controlling robotic arms during procedures. This allows for minimally invasive procedures, offering fewer complications and a faster recovery.
Robotic surgery has significant benefits
Robotic surgery combines the human touch of highly trained surgeons with the precision of today's most advanced technology. The result is patients who have robotic-assisted surgery instead of traditional surgery experience:
- Less blood loss during surgery
- Less scarring
- Lower pain
- Reduced recovery time
- Shorter hospital stays
- Smaller incisions
Our surgical robotic arm is made specifically for joint replacements
University Hospital chose this technology to help surgeons plan and perform joint replacement surgery. The system uses individual scans to plan the optimal surgical approach and allows for the accurate placement of implants while protecting soft tissue around the joint. This is important because every patient, and their joint anatomy, is unique.
Your surgeon is always in control of your procedure
The robotic arm doesn't actually perform the surgery or make any movement on its own. Your procedure is under the control of your surgeon, who uses the robotic arm to remove diseased bone and cartilage and insert the replacement joint implant.
How the technology works
Before surgery, patients will undergo a CT scan of their joint to generate a 3D virtual anatomy model. This virtual model is loaded into the software to be used by your surgeon to create a pre-operative plan.
In the operating room, surgeons use the robotic arm-assisted system during the procedure based on the plan. When the bone is prepared for the implant, the surgeon guides the robotic arm within the pre-defined area, which helps the surgeon stay within the planned boundaries. The robotic arm also allows surgeons to adjust during a procedure as needed.
You may be a good candidate for robotic surgery
Robotic technology has revolutionized orthopedic surgery, enabling surgical sites to be tightly confined and nerves to be spared. It offers excellent accuracy and precision with less scarring, less pain and faster recovery.
For those suffering from joint disease resulting from degenerative and rheumatoid arthritis, avascular necrosis, an injury or fracture, or functional abnormality of a joint, robotic-assisted joint replacement surgery may be an option. We will work with you to determine if you are a candidate for this type of surgery.
Post-surgery rehabilitation
Following joint replacement surgery, you will begin physical rehabilitation to help with your recovery. Through physical therapy sessions, our specialists will help you build back strength, restore mobility and provide you with comprehensive home exercise techniques.
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