A knee replacement is a very effective treatment for many patients with arthritis, which is one of the most common causes of knee pain in adults and can lead to poor mobility.

Patients may be candidates for knee replacement surgery if they experience knee pain that keeps them awake at night, sidelines them from activities, or limits daily functions such as climbing stairs.

If conservative treatment of chronic knee pain is no longer working, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Motrin or Aleve, steroid injections into the joint, physical therapy, weight loss or nutritional supplements, then it may be time to consider a knee replacement.

Knee replacement surgery involves removing the damaged cartilage and abnormal bone and replacing all or part of the knee joint with an artificial joint. After surgery, physical therapy is often ordered to help restore the strength and range of motion of the knee. Most individuals are back to their everyday activities within two to three months after surgery, but recovery depends on many factors such as age, weight, and activity level prior to surgery.

Robotic-assisted knee surgery, a form of minimally invasive surgery, allows the surgeon to perform many types of complex procedures with more precision, flexibility and control than is possible with traditional techniques. With robotic-assisted knee replacement surgery, the surgeon directly maneuvers the robot’s every move while at the bedside using real-time feedback to continuously adjust the robot during the procedure. This advanced technology provides many benefits to the patient, including a precise and personalized fit, leading to a greater range of motion, less pain and a faster recovery than with traditional joint replacement surgery.

Retired teacher Suzanne McLaurin of Dillon has always been accustomed to an active lifestyle – from enjoying sporting events and playing a round of golf to spending time with her five grandchildren. Over the last couple of years, knee pain began to put a damper on Suzanne’s lifestyle. But Dr. Ardalan Sayan of McLeod Orthopaedics performed a total knee replacement that brought Suzanne’s quality of life back and allows her to play in the yard with her grandchildren pain-free. To read more about her surgical experience and return to service, click here.