Knee Replacement Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know when I am ready for a Knee Replacement?

Your knee should be hurting the majority of the time and keeping you from doing normal everyday activities without significant pain, swelling and limitations.

Why is a Quad Sparing Knee better?

By not cutting through the quadriceps tendon the surgery is a little less painful early and your quadriceps muscle control comes back earlier. This makes it easier to get moving in the first month.

Am I a candidate for an Outpatient knee?

Your mobility and general health must be good. Pre surgery physical therapy can really help also.

What's a typical recovery?

You go home the same day and then wean off of assistive devices in the first 3-4 weeks. Honestly, it could be faster, but we are trying to limit swelling in the knee. By 2 months you should feel better and more stable than you have for a while. Patients do truly improve for up to a year after any joint replacement (balance, flexibility and strength)

When can I travel?

In the first month you shouldn't travel due to the risk of DVT (blood clots) and we don't recommend planned long travel for 2-3 months so you are around to do the therapy and don't have to cancel anything if you are progressing slower than usual.

Can I kneel on a Knee Replacement?

It is not dangerous to kneel on the knee, but we do ask that you wait until we think the wound looks mature enough.

What can I do to get ready for Knee Replacement?

Weight loss is important if you are obese. Ideally we would like your BMI under 40 to limit complications. Pre surgical therapy is also critical. We want you as strong and ready as possible. Diabetes should be under good control and body protein levels optimized. Eliminate or limit nicotine use due to the effects on wound healing.

What is the difference having my knee done in a private practice?

Dr. Silverstein is the one doing the surgery and has 25 years + experience. In an academic setting a resident or fellow may be doing a good portion of the surgery. They don't have the same level of experience.

Isn't a robotic knee better? Don't I need that?

Studies show that robotics in knee replacement do NOT improve outcomes or speed recovery. They do add significant cost to the procedure. Dr. Silverstein does try to be cost efficient. In experienced hands like Dr. Silverstein's it doesn't really help you....yet...he's waiting.

What most affects pain scores after surgery?

Eliminating or decreasing narcotic use before surgery helps. Patients, who lose weight in the year after surgery, also have better pain scores than obese patients, who do not.

How long should it last?

There is good evidence that a total knee can last 20 years or more. This is influenced by the patient's weight and health. We hope that the current models may even last longer in some patients.

What if I'm allergic to nickel?

Studies show patients don't react to the coated alloys used in joint replacement, but in severe cases there is a nickel free version available.

Can I run on a Knee Replacement?

There is no study showing that it is dangerous to run on a total knee, but studies suggest that if you are not doing it before surgery, you are not likely to do it afterwards.

Will I lose weight after Knee Replacement?

Only if you change your diet. Walking more does not lead to weight loss. One bad meal can ruin a weeks worth of workouts, but not the other way around.

Will I be pain free and will it feel like a normal knee?

Some patients are pain free but many have minor complaints like tightness or clicking and popping. It's not the same as bone and cartilage. If it really bothers you there are other things we can do, but the vast majority of patients are quite pleased by 6 months to a year as it matures. You didn't come with your instruction manual! Ha!

What implant does Dr. Silverstein use?

Dr. Silverstein has used the Zimmer Persona for about a decade. It's the #1 top selling knee in the world with many many options for a great fit for you. He is NOT a paid consultant of Zimmer. He uses it because of the excellent quality and track record.