Total Knee Replacement Surgery

Advanced Total Knee Replacement Surgical Procedure

Total knee replacement is a surgical procedure in which an arthritic or damaged knee joint is removed and replaced with a prosthesis, or artificial joint. The artificial joint is designed to move just like your normal, healthy joint and allows you to get back to enjoying everyday activities without pain.

The total knee replacement surgical procedure was first performed in the late 1960s and today, improvements in surgical materials and techniques make it one of the safest and more successful types of major surgery. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, knee replacement procedures have resulted in significant restoration of function and reduction of pain in 90–95 percent of patients.

Most total knee replacements will last 15–20 years, if the surgery is performed properly. At Aurora Health Care, many of our surgeons are fellowship trained and draw on years of experience to replace and precisely align your artificial joint so that the implants work better and last longer.

You may be a candidate for total knee replacement surgery if you have:

  • Pain severe enough to restrict not only work and recreation, but also the routine activities of daily living
  • Pain that is not relieved by more conservative methods of treatment, such as reduced activity, medication or physical therapy
  • Significant joint stiffness and loss of mobility
  • X-rays that show advanced arthritis or other degenerative problems

Of course, with any major procedure, such as total knee replacement, a return to normal activity hinges not only on a successful surgery, but on successful rehabilitation. At the Aurora Joint Academy, you and your family will learn how to prepare for surgery and maximize your recovery. Learn more about the Joint Academy (PDF, 680 KB).

Learn more about the procedure and hear from a patient in a total knee replacement video.

Easy Street Environments

Traditional rehabilitation therapy for total knee replacement patients is combined with exposure to a life-like, everyday world with our Easy Street Environments®. Easy Street Environments look like actual city streets, complete with a movie theater, restaurant, grocery store, hair salon, bank, car, gas pump, golf green and bus and provides you with a chance to face real-life situations during rehabilitation. These realistic therapy environments are offered at:

Aurora Sinai Medical Center 
Aurora St. Luke's Medical Center
Aurora Lakeland Medical Center
Aurora Medical Center in Summit
Aurora BayCare Medical Center