Whether you’re thinking about having total knee replacement surgery or you’re currently in the works of setting up a consultation, it’s important to do your homework to better understand what lies ahead. Below, we’re sharing why total knee replacement surgery is one of the top requested surgeries across Canada and how it changes lives every day.
What Is Total Knee Replacement Surgery?
Total knee replacement is a successful surgery for the treatment of severe knee arthritis. The knee joint is the connection between the bottom the thigh bone (femur) and the top of the leg bone (tibia). Knee arthritis is when the cartilage cap surrounding these bones in the knee wears out.
Total knee replacement surgery benefits patients by:
- Relieving chronic pain
- Improving function
- Restoring mobility to the affected knee
The procedure is truly life-changing for patients seeking relief from severe knee osteoarthritis or other degenerative conditions.
Your Total Knee Replacement Procedure
During total knee replacement surgery, our skilled orthopedic surgeons remove the diseased cartilage in the knee and places a metal cap over end of the femur bone and the top of the tibia bone. Between these two pieces of metal, a dense polyethylene plastic piece is inserted. The undersurface of the kneecap is often resurfaced with a polyethylene plastic piece as well.
The surgery typically takes 1 to 2 hours before you may return home to rest and recover. Our surgeons provided detailed post-op instructions to ease healing and help you manage any pain or discomfort.
Innovative Surgical Techniques
At Surgical Solutions Network, we’re pleased to provide patients with the latest technology, tools, and surgical techniques that produce optimal results for total and partial knee replacement patients. These include:
- Robotic knee replacement surgery: This surgical approach allows our surgeons to fit implants to each patient within 1 millimeter. One of the latest innovations in knee replacement implants is the “Medial Congruent” polyethylene insert we use for most of the patients at Surgical Solutions Network. The advanced shape of this component contributes to a more “natural feeling” knee after total knee replacement, especially when compared to older designs.
- Intellijoint: Our surgeons use an advanced computer navigation tool called Intellijoint, which helps them better determine the anatomy of each patient to more precisely position the angles used in placing the metal components during surgery. This customized approach delivers optimal results compared to traditional methods.
During your personalized consultation, our experienced knee replacement specialists will assess your needs and share the risks, benefits, and cost of private knee replacement surgery in BC or your specific region of Canada.
Are You a Candidate For Total Knee Replacement Surgery?
If you have x-ray evidence of severe knee arthritis and a significant limitation in knee function, you may be an ideal candidate for a total knee replacement. Additional candidate requirements include:
- Non-surgical treatment for knee arthritis (physiotherapy, injections, weight loss if applicable) without improving pain and function
- Good underlying health. Although there is no specific age cutoff, patients who are heavy smokers, have had recent cardiac events, have poorly controlled diabetes, severe obesity, or dementia typically have a higher risk of complications after surgery
- Able to commit to the physiotherapy program after surgery
Having a thorough understanding and realistic expectations of your procedure further sets you up for a successful surgical experience and outcome.
Your Knee Replacement Recovery & Results
At Surgical Solutions Network, most patients stay in the clinic 1 to 2 nights after surgery. Although every patient recovers at a different pace, here’s a general overview of what to expect:
- Some initial discomfort which can be managed with pain medications as directed by your surgeon
- Use of a walker for the first 2 weeks before transitioning to a cane
- A committed physiotherapy regimen which includes daily home exercises for knee range of motion and strengthening.
Approximately 80% of the recovery after knee replacement is accomplished 2 to 3 months after surgery. Usually patients are followed by a physiotherapist during that time. Data from international registries suggest that 90% of knee replacements last 20 years, and 82% last 25 years. This is from a meta-analysis of registry data published in The Lancet in 2019.
Meet Dr. Barry Cayen, Private Knee Specialist Near Toronto
Dr. Barry Cayen, a private orthopedic surgeon with Surgical Solutions Network, specializes in hip and knee replacement surgery, sports surgery of the knee, and trauma. Dr. Cayen operates out of Humber River Hospital and at our Surgical Solutions Network Surgical Centre in Toronto, serving private surgery patients in Ontario, Manitoba, Alberta, and throughout Canada. Dr. Cayen practices a healthy, active lifestyle, and he is a firm believer in mixing up various exercise regimens to avoid overuse injuries. Maintaining a loving and supportive family life is extremely important for not only his personal happiness, but there is an increasing evidence that it is important for overall physical health and longevity.
“I have the best job in the world. I work with a top-rate surgical team that is instrumental in delivering world-class patient care. This incredible team includes nurses, physiotherapists, my physician colleagues, support staff and administrative staff. Being surrounded by such talented people makes going to work a pleasure”.
– Dr. Barry Cayen
Visit Dr. Cayen’s website for more information
Looking for Total Knee Replacement Surgery? You Have Options for Private Surgery in Canada
Being proactive and educating yourself is crucial when going through your decision process. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and dig deep to thoroughly understand what your procedure entails. Surgical Solutions Network always aims to provide exceptional patient care while helping you better understand your Canadian healthcare options.
Surgical Solutions Network is Canada’s leader in private healthcare to provide expedited surgery. Surgical Solutions Network offers private surgery at our surgical centres in Toronto, Winnipeg, Calgary, and Vancouver. We offer a wide range of orthopedic procedures, including private knee replacement surgery, private hip replacement surgery, shoulder surgery, hand and wrist surgery, elbow surgery, and foot and ankle surgery.
Why Choose Surgical Solutions Network?
When you choose Surgical Solutions Network for your private medical care, you can feel confident about receiving the highest quality care available while expediting your surgery, so you can get back to your normal pain-free life. Surgical Solutions Network offers Canadians access to private medical care from our fellowship-trained surgeons and registered nurses.
Get Started
Learn more about how to prepare for knee replacement surgery, explore our full range of procedures for your healthcare needs, and learn more about our licensed surgical centres across Canada. Ready to live without joint pain? Contact us today to arrange a consultation.
This blog post was originally posted in July 2021 and updated in December 2024.