Knee

Knee pain can take a toll on every part of your life—from walking up stairs and getting out of a chair to enjoying your favorite activities. If you've tried medications, physical therapy, or injections without lasting relief, it might be time to consider total knee replacement surgery. As a board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in hip and knee replacement, I help patients every day take the next step toward a pain-free life.

Also known as total knee arthroplasty, this procedure replaces the damaged surfaces of your knee joint with smooth, durable implants. The goal is to eliminate pain and restore function by:

• Removing worn cartilage and bone from the femur and tibia
• Placing metal implants to cap the joint surfaces
• Inserting a plastic spacer to allow smooth, gliding motion

The result is a new joint surface that feels stable and pain-free.

The most common reason is osteoarthritis, a degenerative condition that wears down the cartilage in your knee. Other causes include:

• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Post-traumatic arthritis after a prior injury
• Knee deformities or chronic instability

If daily life is limited by knee pain and non-surgical treatments no longer help, surgery may offer lasting relief.

Knee replacement is typically performed under general anesthesia or spinal anesthesia with sedation. The surgery usually takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. With modern surgical techniques and advanced recovery protocols, many patients go home the same day or within 24 hours of surgery.

You’ll start moving your knee shortly after the procedure—sometimes even the same day—with the support of a physical therapist.

Every patient is different, but most can expect:

• Week 1-2: Using a walker or cane, managing swelling and pain
• Week 3-6: Walking independently, regaining range of motion
• Week 6-12: Returning to normal activities, including driving
• 3-12 Months: Full recovery for most patients

With commitment to physical therapy, most people report significant pain relief and improved mobility.

Modern knee implants can last 15 to 20 years or more, depending on your activity level, weight, and how well you follow post-op guidelines.

All surgeries carry some risk, including infection, blood clots, stiffness, or implant wear over time. However, these are uncommon, and we take every precaution to minimize complications and support your recovery.

If knee pain is holding you back from the life you want to live, it’s worth having a conversation. We’ll review your symptoms, evaluate your X-rays, and help you decide if total knee replacement is the right next step.

If you’re considering knee replacement in Kirkland or the greater Seattle area, let’s talk. I'm here to guide you through every part of the journey—from the first consultation to your full recovery.