Considering a Total Knee Replacement?

A Total Knee Replacement is a very successful procedure that has helped thousands of patients relieve pain from osteoarthritis of the knee and regain mobility and – most importantly – their quality of life.

Dr. Nicholas Alexander is the founder of Mahwah Valley Orthopedic Associates in Mahwah and Clifton, NJ and a Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon specializing in both the surgical and non-surgical treatment of hip and knee conditions.  He also serves as the Chairman of the Valley Hospital Total Joint Center.

If conservative treatments such as anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, corticosteroid or artificial joint fluid injections fail to relieve the pain in an arthritic knee, then knee replacement may become necessary.

There are four basic steps to a knee replacement procedure:

-Preparation of the bone: The damaged cartilage surfaces at the ends of the femur and tibia are removed along with a small amount of underlying bone.
-Positioning of the metal implants: The removed cartilage and bone is replaced with metal components that cap the ends of the cut bone, thus recreating the surface of the joint. These metal parts may be cemented or “press-fit” into the bone.
-Resurfacing of the patella: The under-surface of the patella (kneecap) is cut and resurfaced with a plastic button.
-Insert a spacer: A medical-grade ultra high molecular weight polyethylene plastic spacer is inserted between the metal components to create a smooth gliding surface.

How To Know if a Total Knee Replacement is Right for You?

Patients who are considering a Total Knee Replacement are often given an abundance of information about the procedure by friends and family and this information can be confusing and overwhelming.  At Mahwah Valley Orthopedic Asssociates, Dr. Alexander believes in creating a unique approach for each patient based on his/her lifestyle and goals.  He also believes that Total Knee Replacement should only be considered when other more conservative options have not provided relief from chronic knee pain.

If you are considering a Total Knee Replacement, contact our offices in Mahwah or Clifton, NJ to discuss your options with Dr. Nicholas Alexander.