Total Knee Replacement
Knee replacement is a surgical procedure which replaces the painful, arthritic knee joint with an artificial joint called a prosthesis. Knee replacements have been performed since the 1960’s and have undergone countless improvements to provide long term relief of knee pain. Dr. Grutter performs knee replacements with computer navigation ensuring restoration of normal limb alignment. The prosthesis themselves have also evolved over time increasing their longevity.
Knee replacement surgery is indicated for patients with knee pain due to osteoarthritis, rheumatoid or other inflammatory arthritis or for arthritis that develops after an injury. It is generally considered after failure of non-surgical treatment options and when knee pain has begun to affect a persons activities of daily living.
Over 600,000 knee replacement surgeries are performed each year allowing patients with arthritic knee pain to get back to enjoying their normal, everyday activities. More than 90% of patients who have a knee replacement experience a dramatic decrease in knee pain and significant improvement in their ability to perform their common activities of daily living.
With normal use and activity knee replacements can last for many years. Normal activities for patients with knee replacements include walking, swimming, golfing, light hiking, biking, ballroom dancing and star climbing. Best of all, these activities are generally pain free after a knee replacement.
There are many alternatives to surgery and most people with knee pain can be successfully treated without surgery. Alternatives to knee replacement include: weight loss, low impact aerobic exercise and activity modifications. Medications such as Tylenol and Ibuprofen, and injections including corticosteriod and hyaluronic acid injections.
Patients undergoing knee replacement surgery are admitted to the hospital on the day of the surgery. Our patients all have large private rooms to make their hospital stay as comfortable as possible. The procedure itself takes around 2 hours. During the surgery the orthopedic surgeon removes the painful, arthritic cartilage and bone. The joint surfaces are then replaced with metal and plastic restoring the normal alignment and function of the knee.
After surgery patients are taken to a recovery room for around an hour for monitoring while they recovery from anesthesia. Patients generally stay in the hospital for 2-3 days after surgery. During the hospital stay physical therapist work with you to get you back on your feet as quickly as possible. Patients generally walk with a walker the day after surgery. Once up and moving and pain is well controlled they are ready to go home or to a rehab unit.
Knee replacement is a surgical procedure with potential complications. The risks of joint replacement surgery including but not limited to: periprosthetic infection, periprosthetic fracture, implant loosening and wear, need for revision surgery, incomplete relief of pain, incomplete return of function, nerve or vascular injury, joint stiffness or instability, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolus, tendon rupture, and the risks of anesthesia including heart attack, stroke and death. Serious complications occur in fewer than 2% of patients.
Dr. Grutter is highly trained and well experienced at performing knee replacement surgery and is currently accepting new patients. Appointments are available to discuss knee replacement surgery and determine if it or simple non-operative measures are the best treatment for you.
Further information about Total Knee Replacement surgery can be found at the following sites:
Please read this information carefully. Write down any questions that you have about your diagnosis and its treatment and discuss them with your surgeon. Working together you and your surgeon will determine the best treatment for you.
Appointments to discuss Total Knee Replacement with Dr. Grutter can be made here.
Dr. Grutter's offices are located just outside Nashville in Gallatin, Tennessee. Directions to the Gallatin office from Nashville or surrounding areas in Tennessee can be located here. 
Please contact our office if you are from outside the Nashville, Tennessee area and would like assistance in arranging lodging or transportation for a consultation.