Living with Arthritis in the Knee
What is it really like living with arthritis of the knee? As a patient, understanding what arthritis of the knee is and how it impacts the rest of your body is a crucial step in the recovery process. A patient will typically experience chronic pain or stiffness in the knee causing discomfort and swelling during or after movement. There are over 100 different types of arthritis that occur in the joint. However, the basics of what arthritis does to the knee are as follows. The knee has a cushioning cartilage that helps reduce the stress placed on the knee. Arthritis occurs when this cartilage wears down which can cause symptoms of pain.
With a variety of causes such as natural deterioration, age, or injury, it is crucial for patients to be seen by a physician to receive a proper diagnosis and to understand the specifics of their arthritis. Having an understanding of what arthritis is can help you make decisions such as if you need a total knee replacement or not. Read about one patient’s experience down below.
Mr. Roberts’s Experience with BEST
Mr. Roberts is a patient of Dr. Abbott who underwent a total knee replacement. When asked to complete a satisfaction review, Mr. Roberts had nothing but praise for the team here at BEST and Dr. Abbott. He states that Dr. Abbott provided the absolute best care and was very grateful Dr. Abbott attended to him personally. Mr. Roberts had expected to be taken care of by a hospitalist.
Mr. Roberts heard the nurses talking about a medication change/generic to be administered to him. However, another nurse advised to only give Mr. Roberts medications as ordered/directed by Dr. Abbott as he was Dr. Abbott’s patient. Mr. Roberts emphasized that Dr. Abbott was very easy to talk to. He made sure to break down complex medical terms in a way Mr. Roberts could understand in addition to addressing his concerns and next steps. He felt like he was being spoken to as a patient instead of a number.
Mr. Roberts has had very minimal pain post-surgery and was very appreciative of the “seamless” incision. When comparing his surgery scar to his father’s from a similar procedure, he couldn’t help but point out that it didn’t look anything like the “seam” he had from his surgery.
Total Knee Replacement with BEST Health System
BEST Health System prides itself in its minimally invasive procedures and our total knee replacement surgery is no different. A total knee replacement is as the name suggests a procedure in which a patient’s knee will be replaced with a specialized prosthetic that is very specific to the patient. At BEST we view surgery as a last-resort treatment option. This means a procedure will only be recommended if the joint has undergone severe damage that is unresponsive to conservative treatment options.
A patient will first be evaluated extensively to ensure they are a good candidate for total knee replacement surgery. This will include an extensive review of the patient’s medical history, symptoms, how damaged the joint is, and the lifestyle they lead. Once surgery has been determined as the best treatment option, the patient will receive preoperative instructions to prepare for the procedure. The surgery itself typically follows these basic steps:
- The surgeon will access the knee joint with one or more incisions
- Upper/lower joint surfaces will be prepared, which involves removing portions of the bone
- The joint surface will be replaced with a prosthetic and a medical-grade spacer to enable smooth motion between joints
A typical total knee replacement can range anywhere from one to two hours in length. Our modern approach to knee replacement uses minimally invasive techniques which allow for an outpatient procedure. During the recovery process, patients will be expected to follow detailed guidelines for incision care. As well as a timeline for resuming daily activities. Physical therapy is a key part of the process, helping patients regain strength and mobility in the new joint.
Orthopaedic Surgeon Dr. James Abbott
Dr. James Abbott is a dedicated orthopaedic surgeon and specialist at BEST Health System. He works with patients with a variety of orthopaedic conditions to help find a solution for chronic, disabling pain.
Dr. James Abbott is a board-certified surgeon with an impressive history in the medical field. Over the last 14 years, Dr. Abbott has averaged 220 knee and hip replacements per year. He specializes in direct anterior hip replacements and robotic-assisted total and partial knee replacements. Before coming to work at BEST, he worked at several Mercy locations and is the former Chairman of Adult Reconstruction for the Southwest Ohio region of Bon Secours Mercy Health, serving from 2016-2021, the Past Regional Orthpaedic Medical Director for North and West markets of Bon Scours Mercy Health from 2019-2021, and the former Vice-Chair of the Orthopaedic Service Line for the Southwest Ohio region of Bon Secours Mercy Health from 2020-2021.
What BEST Has to Offer
At BEST, not only do we offer a variety of minimally invasive surgical procedures but we are a strong believer in conservative treatment methods and offer treatment as such. The following are just a few of the conservative treatment options here at BEST:
- Physical Therapy Programs
- Blood Flow Restriction Training
- Industrial Rehabilitation Programs
- Oncology Rehabilitation Programs
- Orthotics
- Spine Joint Manual Therapy
- Vestibular and Balance Rehabilitation
- Edge Structural Bodywork & Medical Massage Therapy
In addition to these options, our state-of-the-art facility allows us to do imaging diagnostics on-site. We are capable of performing MRIs, X-rays, and vertebral motion analysis all of which are all-inclusive and used for specific purposes.
Total Knee Replacement and Other Surgery with BEST
The dedicated surgeons at BEST, Dr. Abbott and Dr. Girton are both highly dedicated and highly efficient surgeons. They have helped patients from all walks of life go back to leading a pain-free life and get them back to the activities and people they love. At BEST we strive to be as transparent with our patients as we can. With that in mind, it is important to consider all the benefits a minimally invasive surgery has over traditional surgery. Traditional surgeries usually require a relatively long incision, an overnight hospital stay, and a lengthy and arduous recovery. They are also typically at a higher risk of complications.
However, at BEST, we like to do things differently. At our state-of-the-art ambulatory center and clinic, we employ the best in medical technology in conjunction with our quality patient care in order to give patients a smooth experience. We understand that surgery is a stressful choice. BEST handles all the concerning aspects of traditional surgery and offers a much more effective alternative. The procedures at BEST are minimally invasive. This means that the incision will be less than an inch which allows for important muscles to be spared. It also eliminates the need for an overnight hospital stay and greatly reduces the patient’s recovery time.
In addition to total knee replacements, our team is capable of performing partial knee replacements, total/partial hip replacements, shoulder procedures, spine procedures, and more. Feel free to reach out to BEST to learn more about our procedures, Dr. Abbott, or to schedule an appointment today!
