Why You’re Experiencing Knee Pain

If you have knee pain, it could be a result of osteoarthritis which is a type of inflammation due to the deterioration of cartilage in the knee joint. While the exact cause of cartilage loss is unknown, osteoarthritis is common and affects almost half of adults over 65 years old, according to the CDC.

Cartilage in your knee joint is important as it provides cushioning between the bones of your upper and lower leg and helps facilitate smooth movement.

But when the cartilage wears away, the bones come into direct contact, leading to increased friction, irritation, and inflammation.

This is why people who are candidates for knee replacement surgery often experience stiffness and pain in their joints as their bones rub against each other, much like how worn-out brake pads of a car cause friction against the rotor.

About Knee Replacement Surgery

Knee replacement surgery can relieve osteoarthritis and knee pain by replacing the knee joint. An orthopedic surgeon removes the affected bone and grafts a replacement joint in its place.

The surgery can take as little as an hour and is performed under total anaesthesia.

With the latest advancements in knee replacement surgery, most patients experience little to no pain and full motion after twelve weeks.

What’s Unique About Our Knee Replacement Surgery Process

Our knee replacement surgery process is distinct in its focus on reducing the typical recovery time and alleviating the associated joint replacement surgery pain for our patients.

Dr. Statton, alongside a team of orthopedic surgeons, anesthesiologists, nursing staff, and physical therapy team, has developed the Fast Track Total Joint Program through Northside Hospital with this objective in mind.

Through a coordinated effort, many of Dr. Statton’s patients can return home on the day of their surgery.

What Are the Risks of Knee Replacement Surgery

Any medical procedure comes with risks, and knee replacement surgery is no exception. Patients often ask about the potential for dislocation or having to repeat the procedure, having heard negative stories from friends or family who have undergone knee replacement surgery.

But there’s good news: thanks to the latest advancements in knee replacement surgery, the risk of dislocation is very low.

The greatest risk of any surgery is infection, which is why we take extra precautions to prevent infection at our outpatient Advanced Center for Joint Surgery, where we have complete control over the environment.

While knee replacement surgery is an elective procedure, the discomfort caused by osteoarthritis can significantly impact a patient’s quality of life, including causing lack of activity, immobility, and even depression.

If you’re experiencing knee pain that is affecting your ability to enjoy life and do the things you love, such as spending time with family, traveling, playing golf, or simply getting a good night’s sleep, my team and I would be happy to explore whether knee replacement surgery could be the right choice for you.

About Dr. Statton

Dr. Statton is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon who specializes in hip and knee replacement for patients suffering from chronic joint pain and arthritis. He helps those on a journey of getting their life back from hip and knee osteoarthritis.

Dr. Statton is a partner in the group Arthritis & Total Joint Specialists. He performs surgery at Northside Atlanta Hospital and Advanced Center for Joint Surgery.

Dr. Statton and his wife live in Atlanta, along with their seven children. He has four biological children and three children adopted from China, and enjoys running, reading, traveling and spending time with his family in his free time.