Does painful arthritis in your knee stop you from doing the things you enjoy? A knee replacement can help put the pain behind you. More than 600,000 Americans get a knee replacement each year. In fact, joint replacements are considered to be among the most effective surgeries in all of medicine. Recent research finds that 90% of knee replacements last at least 20 years.

Orthopedic surgeons at Sutter Medical Center, Sacramento (SMCS) specialize in advanced knee replacement techniques that can help ease knee pain and restore mobility. In 2020, U.S. News and World Report ranked the hospital as “high-performing” in both knee and hip replacement surgery, giving it the top ranking of 5/5.

If you’ve tried alternatives to knee replacement without success, talk to a doctor about this common knee surgery.

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At SMCS, orthopedic surgeons use state-of-the-art technology to perform both partial and total knee replacement surgeries (also called knee arthroplasty).

Computer-Assisted Technology

Many orthopedic surgeons at SMCS use computer aided technology to ensure your knee replacement is positioned and aligned correctly.

These systems use 3D images of the unique shapes and profiles of your knee, and help guide the surgery. This information helps surgeons determine the right the size and position for your implant, which is critical to knee alignment and stability.

Computer-assisted technology also helps surgeons accurately remove bone to allow for balance and alignment of the knee. That spares your healthy bone and muscle and helps maintain your knee’s range of motion. Depending on your overall health, some knee replacements are now performed as same-day outpatient procedures.

See details and illustrations of Total Knee Replacements.

Quad-Sparing Knee Replacements

A quadriceps-sparing knee replacement is often called “minimally invasive” because the orthopedic surgeon makes smaller incisions in the muscles that support the knee. Using special instruments guided by computer imaging, the surgeon is able to lift the quadriceps muscles out of the way in order to access the knee joint.

In this quad-sparing knee replacement surgery, the specialist doesn’t cut the quadriceps tendon. This tendon connects the quadriceps muscles in the thigh to the kneecap and provides the power to bend and straighten the knee. As a result, people who have this type of knee replacement usually recover faster.

Quad-sparing knee replacement is a more complex surgery because the doctor has a limited view of the knee joint. It requires a skilled and experienced surgeon, and isn’t right for all patients. Talk to your doctor if you’re considering a quad-sparing knee replacement.

See more details about Minimally Invasive Knee Replacements.

Regardless of the technique, all total knee replacements involve replacing the ends of the thighbone and shinbone with implants made of alloys of cobalt chromium and titanium, and with polyethylene, a medical-grade plastic. This implant has a plastic spacer in place of cartilage to help the knee joint move smoothly. The pieces are held in place either by bone cement or by “ingrowth” technology, in which the bone grows between small beads or mesh on the surface of the prosthetics.

Partial Knee Replacement

During a total knee replacement, damaged bone and cartilage is removed and the knee is resurfaced with metal and plastic parts. In a partial knee replacement, only a portion of the knee is resurfaced.

Partial knee replacement – also called unicompartmental knee replacement – may be a good choice for people who have osteoarthritis in just one area of the knee. This surgery is done through a smaller incision, and people often can resume normal activities more quickly.

See more details about Partial Knee Replacements.

After a Total Knee Replacement

Typically people spend one to two nights in the hospital after a knee replacement, but if you are healthy, strong and have support at home, your orthopedic surgeon may recommend outpatient surgery.

Most people can walk without crutches or a cane six weeks after surgery. But it may take up to three months for pain and swelling to completely subside. Recovery of full strength is gradual and may take up to 12 months.