Knee Replacement

When it comes to your knees, you want the best possible care. At Allegheny Health Network (AHN), that’s exactly what you’ll get.

Professional athletes and active people put their trust in our expertise, which includes sophisticated knee replacement surgery. We use the latest surgical technologies, so you recover in weeks, not months. Most patients start feeling better within hours of surgery.

What is knee replacement surgery?

Healthy knees make it possible to perform activities we take for granted, such as walking, getting up from a seated position, and climbing stairs. During knee replacement surgery, we remove the damaged portions of your knee and replace them with artificial joints made of metal and plastic.

The most common reason for this procedure is to treat knee pain that does not respond to other treatments. Find out more about knee pain.

Knee replacement surgery at AHN: Why choose us?

Our experts offer a wide range of knee replacement options, tailoring your care to meet your medical needs and personal preferences. We may replace only the damaged portion of your knee or take care of both knees in one procedure.

We were the first in Pennsylvania to perform knee minimally invasive knee replacements using Mako® robotic surgery technology. This technology helps our surgeons perform knee replacement surgery with six times more precision than traditional techniques. We preserve more healthy joint tissue, so the new joint feels more natural. Learn more: Robotic-Aided Precision Means Faster Recovery and More Mobility.

Conditions we treat with knee replacement surgery

Conditions that may require knee replacement surgery include:

• Arthritis

• Complications from a bone infection (osteomyelitis)

• Bone cancer

• Bone diseases such as osteonecrosis, which causes permanent damage to bone tissue

• Some forms of orthopaedic trauma, including shattered bones

Knee replacement surgery: What to expect

If you are considering knee replacement surgery, here’s what to expect:

1. Evaluation: Your care starts with an evaluation, including a physical examination and imaging tests. We pinpoint the damaged areas of your knee. We also determine whether the problem is severe enough for joint replacement surgery. Learn more about orthopaedic diagnosis.
2. Possible joint repair procedure: Having surgery to fix the damaged portion of your knee may help you avoid the need for a knee replacement. Your care may include a procedure (arthroscopy) to examine the joint and remove damaged cartilage. Read more about joint repair surgery.
3. Joint replacement surgery: We use minimally invasive techniques, including robotic surgery, whenever possible. These sophisticated techniques use small incisions so you can safely resume daily activities as quickly as possible. Read more about robotic and minimally invasive orthopaedic surgery.
4. Quick recovery: Our physical therapists are at your bedside hours after the procedure. We teach you how to take care of your new joint so you can make a safe return to your daily activities. Learn more about orthopaedic physical therapy.
5. Wound care: We work closely with AHN’s wound care services. Patients who have severe knee swelling may benefit from compression wrap services before undergoing surgery. After surgery, the team can help if you are experiencing swelling or problems with wound healing.

Contact us

Call (412) DOCTORS (412) 362-8677 or request an appointment to learn more about AHN Orthopaedic services.