Virginia Mason orthopedic surgeons routinely perform knee replacement surgery and are recognized among the top 5 percent of providers in the nation performing this operation. They specialize in total knee replacement, partial knee replacement, bilateral knee replacements at the same time, and revision of failed or painful knee replacements and infections. More than 800 knee replacements are performed at Virginia Mason every year.
To schedule a consultation with an orthopedic surgeon about knee replacement surgery, call (206) 341-3000.
The Knee in Motion
The knee, like the elbow and ankle, is a hinge joint, whose many components — muscles, tendons, ligaments, bones and cartilage — all work together to provide flexibility and stability to the knee and leg. Within the joint, a thin layer of cartilage covers and protects the ends of bones — femur, tibia and kneecap. A soft cushion of cartilage (meniscus) also sits between these bones. Over time, a tear in this cushion can upset the knee's delicate balance and render the joint unstable, causing bone to rub against bone, a condition that can set the stage for the development of arthritis.
Worsening tears in the meniscus can be painful and make the knee increasingly unstable. Repair of the meniscus can be accomplished through arthroscopic surgery in younger patients. Arthroscopy is rarely performed in patients with advancing arthritis.
Not everyone who has knee pain will require a knee replacement. We work to control arthritis symptoms without surgery for as long as is reasonable. For patients who need surgery, there is no better time than the present to have this procedure. Advances in design and materials over the last several decades allow for a comfortable, secure fit of these implants even in younger, active adults.
The Virginia Mason Difference in Anesthesiology
Total joint replacement can be one of the most painful surgeries when traditional methods of pain control are used. At Virginia Mason, however, physicians are using new approaches. For knee replacement surgery, this includes a continuous nerve block technique called the "adductor canal catheter" that not only reduces pain, but also maintains muscle strength in the leg, which is critical to recovery.
The ability of Virginia Mason anesthesiologists to keep joint replacement patients comfortable is evident in patient satisfaction scores for pain control in the 99th percentile on our inpatient unit.
Peer Partners
Virginia Mason's Peer Partners is a unique program of support for hospitalized patients. Volunteers who have been through similar situations visit with patients and their families to answer questions and assist with non-medical concerns. Peer Partners can also help caregivers understand how to best provide care and support when a patient returns home.
Questions About Knee Replacement Surgery?
If you have questions about knee replacement surgery, you can schedule a consultation with an orthopedic surgeon by calling (206) 341-3000.