Total Knee Replacement Surgeon in Denver, Englewood, Littleton, CO
Sean Baran, MD is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in hip and knee replacement and sports medicine. He evaluates and treats knee arthritis in active adults throughout the Denver area, with an emphasis on helping patients maintain mobility and return to the activities that are important to them.
Knee replacement may be appropriate when arthritis causes persistent pain, stiffness or loss of function despite nonsurgical treatment. Because Dr. Baran’s practice spans sports medicine, joint preservation and joint replacement, his evaluation considers the full range of treatment options rather than assuming that knee pain requires replacement surgery.
When surgery is appropriate, the decision between partial and total knee replacement–and whether robotic-assisted technology may be beneficial–is individualized based on the pattern of arthritis, knee anatomy, symptoms, activity level and patient goals.
How Do I Know When It’s Time for a Knee Replacement?
The decision to have a knee replacement is based on more than an X-ray. I consider the severity and location of the arthritis, the amount of pain and stiffness a patient is experiencing, how the knee is affecting work, exercise and everyday activities, and whether nonsurgical treatments are still providing meaningful relief.
For many patients, knee arthritis can initially be managed without surgery. Knee replacement becomes a consideration when pain and activity limitations remain significant despite appropriate nonsurgical treatment and other treatment options are unlikely to provide adequate relief.
The timing is different for every patient. The goal is to determine when knee replacement is likely to provide a meaningful improvement in pain, function and quality of life.
What Is Knee Arthritis?
The knee is made up of the femur (thighbone), tibia (shinbone) and patella (kneecap). The two menisci, the soft cartilage between the femur and tibia, serve as a cushion and help absorb shock during motion. Arthritis (inflammation of the joints), injury or other diseases of the joint can damage this protective layer, causing extreme pain and difficulty in performing daily activities. In an arthritic knee, the cartilage itself becomes thinner or completely absent. In addition, the bones become thicker around the edges of the joint and may form bony “spurs.” These factors can cause pain and restrict the range of motion in the joint.
When Is Total Knee Replacement Recommended?
Total knee replacement surgery is commonly indicated for severe osteoarthritis of the knee. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of knee arthritis in which the joint cartilage gradually wears away. Your doctor may advise total knee replacement if you have:
- Severe knee pain that limits your daily activities (such as walking, getting up from a chair or climbing stairs)
- Moderate-to-severe pain that occurs during rest or awakens you at night
- Chronic knee inflammation and swelling that is not relieved with rest or medications
- Failure to obtain pain relief from medications, injections, physical therapy or other conservative treatments
- A bow-legged knee deformity
Partial vs. Total Knee Replacement
Not every patient with knee arthritis needs a total knee replacement. In some cases, arthritis is limited to only one compartment of the knee. When that is the case, a partial (unicompartmental) knee replacement may be an option. This approach preserves more of the natural knee and can allow a quicker recovery for appropriately selected patients.
Dr. Baran evaluates each patient carefully to determine whether partial or total knee replacement is the better fit based on the location and severity of arthritis, ligament stability, alignment, and activity goals.
Learn more about Partial Knee Replacement →
What Is Robotic-Assisted Knee Replacement?
Robotic-assisted technology can be used in both partial and total knee replacement. The system helps the surgeon plan and execute bone preparation with a high degree of precision based on the patient’s individual anatomy. The decision to use robotic assistance is made on a case-by-case basis and is discussed during the consultation.
Learn more about Robotic-Assisted Knee Replacement →
What Is Total Knee Replacement?
Total knee replacement, also called total knee arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure in which the worn-out or damaged surfaces of the knee joint are removed and replaced with an artificial prosthesis made of metal and plastic. The goal is to relieve pain and restore the alignment and function of the knee.
How Is the Total Knee Replacement Procedure Performed?
The surgery is performed under spinal or general anesthesia. Your surgeon will make an incision in the skin over the affected knee to expose the knee joint. Then, the damaged portions of the femur bone are cut at appropriate angles using specialized instruments. The femoral component is attached to the end of the femur with or without bone cement.
Your surgeon then cuts or shaves the damaged area of the tibia (shinbone) and the cartilage. This removes the deformed part of the bone and any bony growths, as well as creates a smooth surface on which the implants can be attached. Next, the tibial component is secured to the end of the bone with bone cement or screws.
A plastic piece called an articular surface is placed between the implants to provide a smooth gliding surface for movement. This plastic insert supports the body’s weight and allows the femur to move over the tibia like the original meniscus cartilage.
To make sure the patella (kneecap) glides smoothly over the new artificial knee, its rear surface is also prepared to receive a plastic component. With all the new components in place, the knee joint is tested through its range of motion. The entire joint is then irrigated and cleaned with a sterile solution. The incision is carefully closed and a sterile dressing is placed over the incision.
What Is Recovery Like After Knee Replacement?
Rehabilitation begins immediately following surgery. A physical therapist will teach you specific exercises to strengthen your leg and restore knee movement. You will typically be able to walk with crutches or a walker soon after the procedure. A continuous passive motion (CPM) machine may be used to move the knee joint through a controlled range of motion while you are at rest. Your physical therapist will also provide you with a home exercise program to strengthen your thigh and calf muscles.
Most patients make steady progress over the first several weeks and continue to improve over the following months. The exact timeline varies based on individual factors such as overall health, the condition of the knee before surgery, and adherence to the rehabilitation plan.
What Activities Can I Return to After Knee Replacement?
The goal of knee replacement is to reduce pain and improve function so patients can return to the activities that matter to them. Many of Dr. Baran’s patients hope to get back to walking, hiking, cycling, golf, skiing, and other recreational activities. While individual results vary, the procedure is designed to support a return to an active lifestyle. Dr. Baran discusses realistic expectations with each patient based on their specific situation, goals, and overall health.
What Are the Risks and Complications of Total Knee Replacement?
As with any major surgery, the possible risks and complications associated with total knee replacement surgery include:
- Knee stiffness
- Infection
- Blood clots (deep vein thrombosis)
- Nerve and blood vessel damage
- Ligament injuries
- Patella (kneecap) dislocation
- Plastic liner wearing out
- Loosening of the implant
Dr. Baran will review these risks with you in detail and discuss steps taken to minimize them.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know when it’s time for knee replacement?
The decision is based on more than an X-ray. It considers the severity and location of the arthritis, the amount of pain and stiffness you are experiencing, how the knee is affecting work, exercise and everyday activities, and whether nonsurgical treatments are still providing meaningful relief. Knee replacement becomes a consideration when pain and activity limitations remain significant despite appropriate nonsurgical care.
Am I a candidate for partial or total knee replacement?
This depends on the pattern of arthritis in your knee, the condition of the ligaments, alignment, and your activity goals. Dr. Baran evaluates each patient individually to determine which option is most appropriate.
What does robotic assistance actually do?
Robotic-assisted technology helps the surgeon plan and perform bone preparation with a high degree of precision based on your individual anatomy. The surgeon remains in control of the procedure at all times. Whether robotic assistance is recommended is discussed during your consultation.
How long does recovery take?
Rehabilitation begins right after surgery. Most patients are walking with assistance soon after the procedure and continue to improve over the following weeks and months. Full recovery timelines vary based on individual factors.
What activities can I return to after knee replacement?
Many patients return to activities such as walking, hiking, cycling, golf, and skiing. Individual results vary. Dr. Baran discusses realistic expectations with each patient based on their goals and overall health.
Dr. Sean Baran sees patients in Central Denver, Englewood, and Littleton. If you would like additional information about total knee replacement or would like to schedule a consultation, please contact the office.
Locations
Central Denver
4700 E. Hale Pkwy, Suite 360
Denver, CO 80220
Englewood
500 E. Hampden Ave, Suite 400
Englewood, CO 80113
Littleton
6179 S. Balsam Way, Suite 230
Littleton, CO 80123
Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
If you would like to have additional information on knee treatments or would like to learn more about total knee replacement, please contact Sean Baran, MD , serving the communities of Denver, Englewood, Littleton, CO .
