Knee Replacement

Total knee replacement, also called total knee arthroplasty, is a safe and effective surgical procedure where damaged parts of the knee joint are removed and replaced with artificial components (implants) made of metal and high-grade plastic.

This procedure is most often performed for patients with severe arthritis or significant joint damage that hasn’t responded to non-surgical treatments. A total knee replacement can relieve pain, restore function, and dramatically improve quality of life.

When Is Total Knee Replacement Recommended?
You may be a candidate for a total knee replacement if you experience:

Severe pain that limits daily activities like walking or getting up from a chair
Joint stiffness that makes movement difficult
Swelling or inflammation that doesn’t improve with medication
Deformity in the knee, such as bowing or knock-knees
No relief from physical therapy, injections, or other conservative options

Most patients considering total knee replacement have tried other treatments and are ready for a more permanent solution.

Common Conditions Leading to Total Knee Replacement

Osteoarthritis – wear-and-tear arthritis that breaks down cartilage
Rheumatoid arthritis – autoimmune inflammation of the joint
Post-traumatic arthritis – caused by injury or fracture
Knee deformities or severe cartilage loss

What to Expect: Surgery and Recovery
Iowa Ortho’s comprehensive care model includes:

Pre-Operative Physical Therapy Appointment: An in person PT visit, completed at Iowa Ortho therapy downtown Des Moines or in Ankeny, to evaluate your current mobility and provide extensive education on getting you, your support person, and your home ready to recover from your total joint surgery, including equipment you may need, and exercises to do specific to your condition.
Joint Camp Program: An online learning experience that provides important, pre-op information via supportive emails that will help you know what to expect before, during, and after your joint replacement surgery.
Post-Operative Care: Most patients begin walking the day of surgery and can resume many normal activities within four to six weeks.
Support System: Patients are required to have a family member or friend to assist for the first 24 hours after surgery, then encouraged to have help ongoing with rides, errands, and other support as needed.

What to Expect During the Procedure

Damaged cartilage and bone are carefully removed from the thighbone, shinbone, and kneecap.
The surgeon reshapes the bone surfaces and fits them with precision-matched implants.
A plastic spacer is inserted between the metal parts to allow smooth movement.
The joint is tested for stability, and the incision is closed.

At Iowa Ortho, many procedures are performed using robotic-assisted systems for enhanced accuracy, customized implant positioning, and faster recovery.

Recovery and Rehabilitation
Recovery varies, but most patients:

Start walking with assistance the same day or next day
Begin physical therapy immediately to regain mobility and strength
Can resume daily activities in 4–6 weeks
Reach full recovery in about 3–6 months

Our total joint program works to ensure a smooth and successful outcome through patient education and physical therapy.

Benefits of Total Knee Replacement

Significant pain relief
Improved joint function and mobility
Better quality of life
Long-lasting results – implants typically last 15–20 years or longer

With proper care and rehabilitation, most patients enjoy decades of activity without pain.

Why Choose Iowa Ortho?
At Iowa Ortho, we combine compassionate care with advanced surgical expertise. We offer:

Comprehensive care from evaluation to follow-up
Fellowship-trained joint replacement specialists
Total joint program working with you before and after surgery to make sure you’re set up for success.
Robotic-assisted total knee replacement using the latest technology
Personalized surgical planning and implant selection
On-site physical therapy for a streamlined recovery experience