Slocum Orthopedics provides knee replacement care for patients across Eugene, Springfield, and the southern Willamette Valley. As the region’s largest provider of orthopedic care, our team supports individuals seeking to restore mobility and reduce knee pain.
What is Knee Replacement Surgery?
Your knee is a complex joint made up of three bones: the thigh bone, shin bone, and kneecap. When healthy, these bones are coated with cartilage that allows for smooth, pain-free movement. However, conditions like knee arthritis can wear away this protective cartilage, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.
Knee replacement surgery, technically called “total knee arthroplasty,” is designed to resurface the worn parts of your knee joint with artificial components. These new components allow your knee to work like a hinge without bone rubbing against bone.
At Slocum Orthopedics in Eugene, OR, our joint replacement surgeons are nationally known and recognized for their advanced knowledge and skill in diagnosing and treating knee pain. As one of Oregon’s leading orthopedic centers, we provide advanced care designed to relieve pain and restore mobility.
Knee Replacement Procedure
1. Resurfacing the end of the thigh bone with metal
2. Resurfacing the top of the shin bone with metal and plastic
3. Resurfacing the back of the kneecap with plastic
The surgery typically takes 1-2 hours, and most patients stay in the hospital for 1-3 days afterwards.
Medical Management of Knee Arthritis
Before considering surgery, there are several non-surgical approaches that can help manage knee arthritis and potentially slow its progression. While they won’t cure arthritis or reverse joint damage, these strategies can be very effective in managing symptoms and may help delay the need for surgery.
Weight Reduction
The basic truth is that the more weight your knee has to carry, the more pain you will experience in the joint and the faster the remaining cartilage will deteriorate. Your knee experiences up to 3 times your body weight with each step, and up to 6 times when going downstairs. Extra weight means more pressure and faster cartilage wear. Even small weight reductions can significantly reduce knee pain and slow joint deterioration. Focus on regular exercise and a balanced diet to achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
Adaptive / Walking Devices
Using a cane in your opposite hand can reduce weight on your knee joint by up to 50%, significantly easing pain. The less weight the knee joint experiences, the less pain you should experience from the bone on bone contact. Walkers are less effective, but may be necessary if your overall health or balance prohibits the use of a cane or walking sticks.
Activity Modifications
High-impact activities can accelerate knee damage and increase pain. Avoid activities like jumping, running on pavement, and deep squats/lunges. Instead, choose kneefriendly exercises like swimming, water aerobics, stationary cycling, and controlled resistance training. These activities strengthen muscles around your knee without excessive joint stress while maintaining cardiovascular health and helping with weight management.
Is Knee Replacement Right for You?
When pain from arthritis causes severe limitations to your life and conservative treatments no longer help, it may be time to consider knee replacement surgery. However, it’s a major decision that requires careful consideration. You might be a candidate for knee replacement if you experience:
• Severe hip pain that limits daily activities
• Pain that persists even when resting or sleeping
• Knee stiffness or reduced range of motion
• Failure to improve with other treatments like medications, injections, or physical therapy
• Visible deformity of the knee (bowing in or out)
If you’re considering knee replacement surgery, the next step is to consult with a Slocum orthopedic specialist. Our team will provide a thorough evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the long term outlook of total knee replacement surgery?
Most patients experience significant pain relief and improved function after knee replacement. While you’ll need to avoid high-impact activities, many people return to activities they love, free from the pain that once held them back. It’s important to maintain an exercise routine to keep your new knee functioning well for your lifetime.
What does recovery from total knee replacement surgery look like?
After surgery, your journey to recovery begins. Here’s what you can expect:
- You’ll start using a walker soon after surgery
- Physical therapy will begin almost immediately to help regain strength and mobility
- Swelling management through ice and elevation is crucial
- Most patients can return to many activities within 2-3 months
- Full recovery can take 6 months to a year
Pain management is a crucial part of your recovery. Your care team will work with you to ensure you’re comfortable while you heal.
How much pain will I have after surgery?
The amount of pain after surgery varies. Perception of pain is a very individual experience. Your physician and nursing staff will work with you to adjust your medications to minimize your pain. You will experience pain, especially in the first two weeks. Other interventions such as intermittent use of ice, elevation, active use of your leg muscles, deep breathing relaxation and meditation can help minimize your pain.
When will I be able to take a bath after surgery?
You may shower right after surgery. It is strongly recommended to avoid immersion of your leg in water, either in a bathtub or hot tub for at least 6 weeks following surgery. Even after the incision initially appears healed, the skin is still fragile and infection can occur
When will I be able to drive after surgery?
It is generally recommended that you wait for 4-6 weeks after surgery to resume driving. Numerous studies have documented delayed reaction times with the operated leg that last a month or longer. In addition, you should not drive as long as you are taking narcotic pain medications during the day as this may affect your ability to react quickly and make good decisions.
When can I get rid of my crutches or walker and begin using a cane or walking sticks?
Your surgeon and physical therapist will help you make decisions related to the appropriate assistive device to use with ambulation. It is important to develop sufficient muscle strength before changing to a less supportive device. Transitioning too soon can reinforce bad muscle habits and lead to undesirable stress on your new knee and other joints.
Why Eugene Patients Trust Slocum for Knee Replacement
For more than 80 years, Slocum Orthopedics has helped keep the Eugene–Springfield community moving. As the region’s largest orthopedic practice, our board-certified surgeons provide advanced joint care supported by on-site physical therapy, imaging, and a dedicated surgery center.
