Knee replacement surgery was first performed in 1968. Since then, improvements in surgical materials and techniques have greatly increased its effectiveness. Total knee replacements are one of the most successful procedures in all of medicine. According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, more than 600,000 knee replacements are performed each year in the United States. As one of Maine's most experienced knee replacement surgeons, I perform 250+ knee operations annually. Todays' total knee replacements are performed through tissue-sparing approaches to the knee, decreasing surgical dissection and post-operative pain, while preserving the quadriceps muscle on the front of the thigh necessary for normal knee function, including walking and stair climbing. Post-operatively, aggressive physical therapy and clinical pathways help shorten the hospital stay to 2-3 days. Total knee replacement has a great long-term track record in the hands of an experienced surgeon and benefits are maximized if the patient is MOTIVATED, actively participates in post-operative physical therapy, and is medically optimized prior to surgery. Your outlook going into this operation has significant effects on your progress and outcome. In all, 92+% of people have a good to excellent outcome over 18-20 years.
