Total Knee Replacement Surgery

If you have knee pain, whether from a knee injury or arthritis, even small tasks can feel like monumental challenges. Although medication or physical therapy may help ease your pain, surgery may be your best solution for long-term relief.

At Beaufort Memorial, our orthopedic surgeons specialize in total knee replacement, a common procedure in which injured or diseased joints are replaced with state-of-the-art artificial parts. We’re proud to offer our Lowcountry communities some of the most advanced technology available — including Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted Surgery, which completely customizes a joint replacement to your unique anatomy.

We can help you address your pain and regain full range of motion. Learn about your options at a Solving Hip and Knee Pain seminar. Or, call 843-522-7435 to discuss your symptoms.

How to Prepare for Total Knee Replacement Surgery

If total knee replacement is right for you, rest assured knowing our surgeons are among the best in the Lowcountry. We’ve helped thousands of men and women find life-changing relief — and we can do the same for you.

At the Joint Replacement Center, we’ve designed our program to help you prepare for and recover from knee surgery as smoothly as possible.

Preparation starts with an educational class, so you know just what to expect before, during and after your surgical procedure. We also teach you joint exercises to practice before surgery to help ease recovery.

Along the way, you’ll have the support of a dedicated bone and joint care team — including your surgeon, joint care coordinator, specially trained nurses, physical therapists and even your own hand-picked “First Mate” for extra support during recovery with your replaced knee.

Total Knee Replacement Recovery

Recent advancements in knee replacement mean shorter hospital stays and recovery time. Some patients even go home the same day as their surgery.

Recovery begins as soon as your surgery is complete. You will begin light physical activity the day of your procedure, after you are able to move around safely. You’ll also participate in one-on-one physical therapy sessions to help safely mobilize your joint.

After you return home, you will continue with outpatient orthopedic rehabilitation that will help you get back to your daily activities. You will be encouraged to keep moving, but you may not be able to resume high-impact activities, such as jogging, for a few weeks to months.

Read total knee replacement patient Paula Miller’s story.

How Long Does Total Knee Replacement Surgery Last?

While each patient is treated individually, surgery typically lasts anywhere from one to two hours. How long your new joint will last depends on a number of factors, including your age and activity level. For most adults, a new joint can be expected to last about 10 to 15 years and possibly longer.

A New Level of Precision and Personalized Knee Replacement

Beaufort Memorial orthopedic surgeons specialize in advanced procedures to ensure that your new knee matches your unique anatomy. Regardless of the option your surgeon uses, you can be assured of a natural feeling and long-lasting solution to your knee pain.

Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted Technology

With this advanced system, a CT scan of the diseased knee joint is taken and used to create a 3D model of your knee for planning your surgery.

In the operating room, your surgeon follows your personalized surgical plan, using the robotic arm to remove diseased bone and cartilage. The surgeon uses the system to precisely place your implant, whether metal or plastic.

The surgeon will then use the robotic arm to measure the tension of the ligaments and dynamically balance your joint for a successful long-term outcome.

Learn more about Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted Technology at Beaufort Memorial.

Persona Custom-Fit Knee and Patient-Specific Instrumentation

This system uses MRI technology and a computer program to create a 3D reconstruction of your joint. Using this detailed imaging, your surgeon creates a personalized positioning guide. These guides position the implants without having to use traditional invasive instruments, which also often means a less-invasive procedure. The patient-specific instrumentation allows your surgeon to provide a custom-fit solution specifically for you.

Nationally Recognized Care

Beaufort Memorial has earned the Gold Seal of Approval^® from The Joint Commission for Advanced Total Hip and Knee Replacement Certification, demonstrating that we meet the highest national standards of care in knee replacement, right here at home. In fact, we are one of only four hospitals in South Carolina to have achieved this advanced certification.

Have more questions about orthopedic surgery? Get answers to frequently asked questions.