Knee reconstruction and replacement
Advanced care for complex knee conditions
The Kaplan Joint Center’s surgeons have performed thousands of knee surgeries. We can help you return to the activities your painful joints have forced you to give up. Our team has vast expertise in many forms of knee surgery, depending on your unique needs.
Total Knee Replacement (Total Knee Arthroplasty)
Total knee replacement surgery is done to replace an arthritic or badly damaged knee joint with highly engineered implants. The replacement part is called a prosthesis and is made of a combination of materials, like metal and polyethylene (plastic). Your surgeon will choose the prosthesis that is best for you. The goal of total knee replacement surgery is to increase mobility and improve pain.
Revision Knee Replacement (Revision Total Knee Arthroplasty)
Revision knee replacement is performed to replace a knee implant that has worn out or failed. During this procedure the old implant is removed and replaced with a new one.
Partial Knee Replacement (Unicompartmental Knee Replacement)
Partial knee replacement is an option when knee damage is confined to one side of the joint, a condition called single-compartment degenerative disease. During this procedure our surgeons resurface the worn portion of the knee joint is resurfaced while leaving the remainder of the joint unchanged.
Knee Arthroscopy: Minimally Invasive Knee Surgery
Knee arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure in which the surgeon inserts a tiny camera through a small incision in the knee to view the joint on a video monitor. Using thin instruments inserted through additional small incisions, the surgeon repairs the joint damage.
Knee Osteotomy: Realigning and Preserving Your Knee
In a knee osteotomy, the surgeon corrects poor alignment of the knee or redistributes weight to relieve pain, improve function, and prolong the life of the knee.
Knee Reconstruction Surgery and Recovery
A total knee operation typically takes between 2-3 hours, depending on the condition of your knee, your size, and the specific procedure we perform. Your surgeon will give you an estimate of how long the surgery will take.
Conditions We Treat with Knee Reconstruction
Knee reconstruction can reduce or relieve pain or discomfort from the following conditions:
- Arthritis, most commonly osteoarthritis, which can cause joint pain and inflammation
- Knee fractures that damage the knee joint structure and require surgical intervention for proper healing
The Kaplan Joint Center uses the most up-to-date pain control techniques to minimize discomfort after surgery, including preoperative medications, long-lasting injections, oral medications, and ice.
Our surgeons and internist will closely monitor your recovery after surgery to ensure everything goes smoothly. During your hospital stay, you’ll receive daily physical therapy and occupational therapy. Many of our physical therapists have specialty training and advanced certifications in orthopedics, and they can offer a recovery and treatment plan tailored to your post-operative needs. The therapy program focuses on mobility, range of motion, and strengthening exercises. Our care coordinator will manage your discharge planning and ensure a smooth transition to your home or an extended-care facility.
You can continue your recovery process as an outpatient at the Newton-Wellesley Ambulatory Care Center – Newton, which features an aquatic therapy pool.
Most of our patients return to their normal activities from six weeks to six months after surgery. The exact timeline depends on several factors, including your health before surgery, the specific procedure performed, adherence to physical therapy, and other factors.