G2 Orthopedics and Sports Medicine performs knee replacement in Richmond, VA for patients affected by knee arthritis when non-surgical and alternative treatments fail.
As a fellowship trained expert in knees, Dr. Goradia has performed thousands of knee operations. They will review non-surgical treatment options including alternative treatments for arthritis with you and only recommend partial or total knee replacement if absolutely needed.
Minimally Invasive Knee Replacement in Richmond VA
Using the KneeAlign® handheld computer the size of a smartphone, we are able to perform a more accurate partial and total knee replacement. This device uses GPS technology similar to what is used rockets, missiles and cars.Normal Knee Alignment
Rod Inserted in Bone
One key to a successful result after knee replacement is to restore the normal alignment of the leg. The alignment should create a straight line from the hip through the knee to the ankle.
The standard way surgeons achieve this is by inserting a rod into the middle of the bone. After surgery this can result in more bleeding from the bone which can affect recovery.
The KneeAlign computer gives more accurate alignment without insertion of a rod making it less invasive with less blood loss.
Adjusting Alignment with Computer
Partial Knee Replacement
There are 3 different compartments in the knee joint. If someone has arthritis in just one of these, they may be eligible for a partial knee replacement.
Total Knee Replacement
When arthritis is present in two or more of the compartments, a total knee replacement can be performed. During surgery the damaged, arthritic cartilage is removed and the bone is prepared for the knee replacement device.
- The femoral or thighbone piece fits over the bone like a “glove”.
- The tibial or shin bone piece sits on the bone with small stem that helps to hold it in the bone.
- A small kneecap button is attached to the back of the kneecap after removing the arthritis.
Knee Replacement Devices
There are numerous manufacturers of knee replacement implants. Most surgeons select a particular knee replacement based on ease of use, past experience and some patient specific factors. Our surgeons have used devices from:
- DonJoy
- Stryker
- Zimmer
- Biomet
- DePuy Johnson and Johnson
- Arthrex
- Conformis
Pain After Knee Replacement
There have been tremendous advances in the management of pain after knee replacement surgery. The process begins before the operation with what is known as preemptive analgesia. This means that we attempt to block the pain before the knee replacement surgery begins. This is done by giving the patient a variety of medications that will block different types of pain. Examples of this may include:
- Spinal anesthesia which numbs the legs and prevents grogginess from general anesthesia.
- Femoral nerve block which reduces pain around the knee and lasts for up to 12-16 hours.
- Non-steroidal medications that reduce pain from inflammation.
- Neurontin or Lyrica which reduces nerve related pain.
Going Home After Knee Replacement Surgery and Beyond
Most patients will go home one night after a partial knee replacement and two nights are a total knee replacement.
- Home physical therapy 3x/week for 2-3 weeks
- Afterwards, outpatient physical therapy 2x/week for 2-3 months
- Most patients use a walker for 1-2 weeks
- Cane up to 4-6 weeks after the walker.
- Patients are allowed to drive when they are able to walk with cane and feel safe to drive.
Why G2 Orthopedics and Sports Medicine?
We are a small, specialized orthopedic practice in Richmond, VA that provides Advanced Orthopedic Treatment Options, Excellent Results, Personalized Care and Convenient Appointments.
Dr. Vic Goradia is fellowship trained in sports medicine, minimally invasive surgery and knee & shoulder reconstructive surgery. He began practicing in Richmond in 2001 and has extensive experience.
