Patient Resources

A knee replacement is like a new surface for the knee:

• Metal caps cover the bone ends.
• A durable plastic insert goes between them.
• The underside of the kneecap may also be resurfaced if needed.

Hip and knee replacements are among the most successful
surgeries in medicine.

Modern implants are expected to last 30 years or more for most
patients.

Dr. Paris performs hundreds of robotic knee replacements each year
using the ROSA and MAKO robot. The robot acts like a smart
assistant, helping make extremely precise cuts and measurements for
each patient’s specific anatomy—resulting in less tissue trauma, a
more natural-feeling knee and lower long term complications.

The traditional midline incision (red line), or the incision will be
toward the medial/inside part of your knee (green line). This depends
on a number of variables that should be discussed with Dr. Paris.
This may be different if you have old incisions from previous
surgeries.

Dr. Paris has training in the muscle-sparing technique (subvastus
exposure) to avoid cutting into the quadricep tendon by gently moving
the muscle aside to reach the joint.
This may result in: less pain and faster recovery for many patients.

Jiffy Knee™ is simply a marketing scheme some surgeons use to
advertise that they use a quadriceps-sparing (subvastus) approach. It
refers only to the exposure (the first 2 minutes of the surgery) and
does not refer to a specific implant or technology.

Dr. Paris does not
pay for the marketing service but does use a muscle sparing
approach for knee replacements when indicated based on patient
specific knees.

Minimally invasive surgery is best combined with robotic technology
for added precision and personalization. As well as to prevent implant
mal-position based on poor visulaizaton that can be related to use of
the quadriceps-sparing (subvastus) approach

The knee has three compartments—inner (medial), outer (lateral),
and under the kneecap.

If arthritis affects only one area, you might be a candidate for a partial
knee replacement.

Dr. Paris has extensive experience with robotic partial knee
replacements and will help determine if it’s right for you.

Partial knee replacement can be an Excellent option for pain relief
with much faster and painless recovery.

Most knee replacements take 45-60 minutes, plus time before and
after for anesthesia and preparation.

You’ll be full weight-bearing right away. Most patients are walking
within hours of surgery. You will use a walker at first.

Most patients go home the same day or stay one night after their knee
replacement.

If you have medical conditions or need extra help at home, your
surgery can be done at a hospital where you may stay overnight.

Left knee: Usually within ~2 weeks.

Right knee: Usually within ~4 weeks.

You may drive once you feel comfortable, have good control, and are
no longer taking narcotic pain medication. Always practice driving in a
safe environment first.

Most patients return to favorite activities such as biking, hiking, golf,
skiing, pickleball, or horseback riding once they’ve recovered.

Training: Look for a surgeon with subspecialty training;
specifically in joint replacement (also known as Adult
Reconstructive Surgery). Dr. Paris completed a dedicated year in
fellowship specifccaly in hip and knee replacement.
Experience: Dr. Paris performs several hundred of each hip
and knee replacements each year
Communication & Trust: Surgery is a major event—choose
someone you feel comfortable with. Dr. Paris and his team
provide personalized care and educational resources to help you
prepare.

Stay as strong and flexible as possible.

• Manage chronic conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes,
  or sleep apnea.
• Cardiology clearance-if you have a cardiologist, most likely
  they will need to ensure you are safe to proceed with joint
  replacement.
• Dr. Paris highly recommends stopping all nicotine products,
  including vaping.

Your preparation helps ensure a smoother recovery and lower rates of
complications.

All knee replacement patients should start PT within 7 days after
surgery. Typically patient do PT for 4-6 weeks after a knee
replacement.

You will receive a short general anesthetic, as well as a long-acting
local anesthetic injected into the surgical site during the surgery and a
regional nerve block that typically lasts between 1–3 days.

Pain should be expected, but Dr. Paris uses less invasive
techniques—like the direct anterior hip and quad-sparing knee
approaches—to make recovery easier.

Your pain plan will be personalized and may include:

• Tylenol (acetaminophen)
• Anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs like ibuprofen)
• Muscle relaxers and nerve medications
• Tramadol or short-term narcotics if needed

We’ll review your pain plan before surgery and send prescriptions to
your pharmacy. Ice machines are especially helpful after knee
replacements.

• Walker: Everyone starts with one until steady.
• Ice machine: Highly recommended for knee replacements.
• Optional items: Cane, toilet seat riser, shower chair, grabber, or
  long shoehorn—depending on your needs at home.
• Continuous Passive Motion (CPM) machines: These are not
  routinely prescribed or recommended as the have been shown to
  change long term functional outcome or range of motion. Also,
  they are NOT a substitute for physical therapy and self directed
  movements.

806-242-0029 to speak directly with Dr. Paris personal staff.