Knee Replacement Surgery
The Region's Experts in Knee Replacement
St. Peter’s Health Partners is home to one of the Capital Region’s leading knee replacement programs. We are among the few programs offering same-day discharge for knee replacement surgery. Many people are up and walking hours after surgery. And our commitment to joint replacement excellence increases all patients’ likelihood of pain-free living for years to come.
What Is Knee Replacement Surgery?
Your knee makes it possible to sit, stand and walk. It includes three sections (compartments):
- Femur, bottom part of the thigh bone
- Tibia, top part of the lower leg
- Patella, kneecap
If wear and tear from arthritis or damage from an injury affects these compartments, you may feel constant pain. Replacing your knee with an artificial device can help you get lasting relief. St. Peter’s Health Partners offers two options:
- Total knee replacement replaces all three compartments with an artificial device.
- Partial knee replacement replaces only the damaged compartments.
Knee Replacement Surgery at St. Peter’s Health Partners: Why Choose Us?
The best joint replacement care includes surgery, education and rehabilitation from an experienced program. This is exactly what you’ll find at St. Peter’s Health Partners. Thousands of patients every year put their trust in our team. Surgeons work alongside specially trained nurses and therapists to exceed your expectations at every turn. Highlights of our program include:
- Expertise: Experienced orthopedists specializing in knee replacement surgery deliver your care. We make the smallest necessary incision, so it’s easier for you to get moving after surgery. Surgeons perform a high number of knee replacements, helping us safely treat adults of any age, as well as the most complex cases. Find a doctor.
- Outstanding quality: Our program has extremely low complication and hospital readmission rates. We are continuously working toward lowering them even more. We also safely perform complex procedures, like partial knee replacement, that are not widely available.
- Precise care: We create a 3D template of the unique features of your knee. This template helps us determine the size and type of replacement joint that is right for you. We may use a custom implant for abnormally shaped bones, an option only available in leading centers.
- Same-day discharge: Recovering at home is more convenient and safer for you. This is why most patients go home the day of surgery. Nurses and therapists work closely to start post-surgical therapies, make sure you’re comfortable and prepare you for discharge. Explore our enhanced recovery program for joint replacement.
Knee Replacement Surgery: What to Expect
You receive the procedure that’s appropriate for your needs and at the right time in your care journey. Some patients achieve lasting pain relief with a partial knee replacement. We carefully consider your medical needs and preferences, so you feel confident about your care.
Here’s what to expect:
Evaluation
We listen carefully as you describe your knee pain, treatments you’ve tried and your response to them. The surgeon reviews your X-rays and determines the procedure and recovery plan that are right for you. We then work together to plan the next steps of your care.
Nonsurgical therapies
Some patients may delay or avoid joint replacement surgery using nonsurgical therapies. We may recommend wearing more supportive shoes and avoiding movements that strain your knee, like crossing your legs while sitting. You may also benefit from medications or injections to reduce joint swelling.
Knee replacement surgery
Our knee replacement specialists remove the damaged joint and spongy tissue (cartilage) supporting it. We replace it using the latest artificial devices made of metal and durable plastic. For partial knee replacement, we treat only the damaged sections, so you experience less discomfort and recover faster.
Recovery
If you are eligible for the enhanced recovery program, you start moving as soon as it is safe to do so. Our team is by your side, giving you the support and encouragement you need. If you stay overnight, you receive our team’s careful attention, so your recovery keeps moving forward.
After you get home
One of our nurses calls you the day after surgery to help your recovery stay on track and answer questions. You see the surgeon two weeks after your procedure. Physical therapy and occupational therapy, if necessary, help you ease back into daily activities. Get more information about physical medicine and outpatient rehabilitation.