Knee Arthroscopy, ACL Reconstruction & Knee Replacement Surgery
Before surgery, there is a range of nonoperative treatments available to patients, including physical therapy, medications, or injections to manage their knee pain and improve mobility. These conservative treatments can be highly effective for some, however, when these options provide only partial or temporary relief, surgery may become the next step to fully restore function and alleviate pain.
At Ortho Westmount, we are here to guide you through every phase of your treatment, from your initial consultation to your recovery and return to daily life.
Knee arthroscopy
What is knee arthroscopy?
It is a procedure to examine the knee joint and repair injured structures in the knee, such as a torn meniscus. Several small incisions are made over the knee to insert the camera and instruments. All the work is done through these small incisions and often patients can walk after their surgery.
What conditions can be treated with knee arthroscopy?
Meniscus tear
ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament Ligament) tears
Certain fractures within the knee
How long does the surgery last?
About 2 hours.
What is the recovery time?
After knee arthroscopy, many patients can walk within a few days, though swelling and discomfort are common in the first week. Physical therapy usually starts soon after surgery to restore range of motion and strength. Full recovery can take 4 to 6 weeks for minor repairs, but for more complex injuries, it may take up to 3 months. Risks include infection, stiffness, or incomplete recovery, though these are rare. You can expect to resume most daily activities within a few weeks.
Total knee arthroplasty
What is it and how is it performed?
Total knee arthroplasty is a surgical procedure to treat osteoarthritis of the knee. A total knee replacement is only performed once nonoperative treatments have been exhausted. An incision is made over the front of the knee and the damaged surfaces of the knee are removed. Metal implants are inserted, separated by a plastic spacer, to replace the damaged joint surfaces.
How long does it take to recover?
You can return to your daily activities within several weeks after surgery. Patients may return to work after 6 weeks. It takes about three months to heal completely.
What limitations will I have because of the knee replacement?
The main benefit to a knee replacement is knee pain management. Generally, patients can easily tolerate low to moderate impact activities, such as golf, cycling, and dancing.
How long does the surgery last?
About two hours.
What is the recovery time?
Recovery from total knee replacement is a gradual process. Physical therapy is key in the following weeks to regain mobility and strength. You can expect to return to daily activities in 4 to 6 weeks, with full recovery taking up to 3 months. Risks include infection, blood clots, or stiffness in the knee, but these are uncommon with proper care. While you’ll enjoy pain relief and improved function, high-impact activities may be limited in the long term.
Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty
What is it and how is it performed?
Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) is a procedure to treat osteoarthritis that occurs on only one side of the knee, typically the inner half of the knee. This partial knee replacement is only performed once nonoperative treatments have been exhausted. An incision is made over the front of the knee and the damaged surfaces of the knee are removed. Metal implants are inserted, separated by a plastic spacer, to replace the damaged joint surfaces.
What are the benefits of having a unicompartmental arthroplasty over total knee arthroplasty?
Smaller incision
Shorter operative time
The ligaments in the knee are not affected
Shorter recovery time
Overall improved proprioception compared to a total knee arthroplasty
Am I a candidate?
Candidates for unicompartmental knee arthroplasty have arthritis in only one side of the knee. A UKA may be performed if the ligaments within the knee are intact and if there is no significant deformity of the knee.
How long does the surgery take?
About one and a half hours.
What is the recovery time?
Patients typically recover more quickly from a UKA than a total knee replacement. You can expect to walk with assistance within a day or two. Most patients can return to regular activities within 4 to 6 weeks, though complete healing may take up to 3 months. Risks are generally lower than with total knee arthroplasty, but complications such as infection, loosening of the implants, or recurrence of arthritis in other areas of the knee can occur.
ACL reconstruction
What is the ACL?
The anterior cruciate ligament is located within the knee and has an important role in knee stability during physical activities. It prevents forward movement of the tibia as well as rotation. The ACL is typically torn during a sudden pivoting motion.
Why does it need to be reconstructed?
Unlike other ligaments in the body, the blood supply to the ACL is limited and therefore does not heal well without a surgery. High impact or cutting sports, such as football, soccer, and skiing, are difficult to return to if the ACL is torn.
ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament Ligament) tears
How is the ACL reconstructed?
Your surgeon will perform a knee arthroscopy to inspect what structures in the knee are damaged and to confirm what needs to be repaired. A graft may be harvested from your knee, or a donor graft may be used. The graft is passed through the tibia and femur and secured in place.
There are numerous options to replace the ACL including:
Hamstring tendon(s)
Quadriceps tendon
Patellar tendon
Allograft (donor tendon)
How long is the surgery?
About 2 hours
What is the recovery time?
A physical therapist will guide you through your rehabilitation after an ACL reconstruction.
You may begin progressive range of motion and strengthening exercises in the first few months after surgery. Returning to low intensity sports takes about 3 months. To recover fully from ACL surgery and return to high-intensity sports takes 9-12 months.
Bilateral knee arthroplasty
What are the benefits compared to a total knee arthroplasty?
It is more convenient for people since they only need to undergo surgery once, and people are off work for a shorter period of time.
Rehabilitation is faster since physical therapy appointments will focus on both knees at once, rather than having two separate courses of treatment.
How long does it take to recover?
You can return to your daily activities within several weeks. You may return to work after about one month.
Am I a candidate?
Candidates for bilateral knee arthroplasty are active, have good strength in their legs, and have few or no associated medical conditions.
What is the recovery time?
Recovery is similar to a single knee replacement but more intensive due to both knees being involved. Patients begin physical therapy shortly after surgery to regain strength and mobility in both knees simultaneously. You can return to daily activities in 4 to 6 weeks, with full recovery taking 3 to 6 months. The main risks include infection, blood clots, and a longer initial recovery period, but many patients appreciate the convenience of a single surgery and a consolidated rehab process.
Patellofemoral arthroplasty
What is it and how is it performed?
Patellofemoral knee arthroplasty is a procedure to treat osteoarthritis between the patella (kneecap) and the front of the femur. It is performed once nonoperative treatments to relieve pain have been exhausted. An incision is made over the front of the knee and the damaged surfaces of the patella and femur are removed. A metal implant is inserted onto the femur and a plastic liner is placed under the patella.
Am I a candidate?
Patellofemoral arthroplasty is indicated in patients who only have osteoarthritis in this area of the knee.
What is the recovery time?
You may begin walking with assistance shortly after surgery and return to low-impact activities within 4 to 6 weeks. Full recovery, including strength and range of motion, may take 3 to 6 months. While this procedure is effective for isolated arthritis in the front of the knee, there is a small risk of arthritis developing in other areas of the knee over time, which could require additional surgery in the future.
Did you know we have a support group?
Your questions and concerns have most likely been asked and answered in our support group. We provide you with reliable patient education and resources to help you throughout this life-changing process.
