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While a total knee replacement is not necessary for every individual who has knee arthritis, it is an option for those whose symptoms have not improved after many months of conservative treatment. Knee arthritis is a painful condition that can grow progressively worse, resulting in knee pain and swelling, decreased range of motion in the joint, an inability to walk long distances, and eventually difficulty with routine activities.
Your doctor may suggest conservative treatment at first, like bracing the knee, going to physical therapy, modifying activities, and taking anti-inflammatory medication. But, if you still have pain even after treating the condition conservatively for two to three months, then it’s time to speak to an orthopedic surgeon about a total knee replacement.
As one of the few orthopedic surgeons in the Tampa Bay area who performs outpatient knee replacement surgery, Dr. Ira Guttentag, M.D., F.A.C.S. of Florida Medical Orthopedics, Sports Medicine & Spine uses the revolutionary Vanguard XP Preserving Knee by Biomet® for all total knee replacements. This innovative device will:
- Typically allow for a shorter recovery time when compared to traditional total knee replacement procedures
- Provide an improved range of motion for the patient
- Preserve the ligaments, including the ACL, to allow the knee to function like normal
Dr. Guttentag is board certified by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery and has served as the Medical Director and Head Team Physician for the Tampa Bay Lightning since 2002. This means that he has vast experience in the field of orthopedics, working with a range of people and injuries. He’s committed to helping his patients get back on their feet quickly, and this is why his outpatient knee replacement surgeries are such an important part of his work. Instead of spending days in the hospital and then months recovering, his patients tend to heal much more quickly and can begin resuming normal activities much sooner.
To schedule a consultation with Dr. Guttentag to discuss your options for a total knee replacement, contact Florida Medical Orthopedics, Sports Medicine & Spine today.
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