Total Knee Replacement

When severe knee arthritis interferes with everyday activities, knee replacement surgery may be an option. Knee replacement surgery can relieve arthritis pain and restore knee function so that you can more easily participate in your normal activities.

Dr. James Ballard has over 17 years of experience with knee replacement surgery and stays up to date on new techniques to improve patient outcomes. He is board certified and fellowship trained in joint replacement surgery. In addition to traditional total knee replacement, he offers the latest advances in knee replacement surgery, including partial knee replacements and outpatient knee replacements.

"I had my right knee replaced in Jan 2013 and the left knee replaced July 2013. WOW! what a change this has made to my life. I can go anywhere, do anything without knee pain. I traveled to Hawaii Christmas 2013 and walked and walked and walked everywhere. It is awesome. Thank you, Dr Ballard, for giving me my life back.”
-- Lavonne Priester, Bilateral Knee Replacements

Candidates for Knee Replacement Surgery

Dr. Ballard conducts a thorough examination to determine whether a patient is a candidate for total or partial knee replacement. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, you may be a candidate for knee replacement surgery and should seek a medical evaluation.

• Knee pain and stiffness that interferes with everyday activities like walking and climbing stairs
• Knee pain that persists even while at rest
• Chronic inflammation and swelling of the knee
• Knee deformity related to arthritis damage, such as a bowing in or out of the knee
• Long-term symptoms that have not improved with nonsurgical treatments like physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and knee injections.

Additionally, some patients may qualify for a partial knee replacement. The knee is divided into three compartments: the medial compartment (inner part of the knee), the lateral compartment (outer part of the knee), and the patellofemoral compartment (the front of the knee). If arthritis damage is limited to only one of these compartments, partial knee replacement may be an option. This procedure allows Dr. Ballard to preserve more of the natural knee, which can yield better results for patients with arthritis limited to only one of the compartments in the knee.

Knee Replacement Procedures

During a knee replacement procedure, Dr. Ballard removes the damaged portions of the knee joint and replaces them with implants designed to mimic normal knee function. Dr. Ballard typically performs both total and partial knee replacements in an outpatient surgery center called Oregon Surgical Institute. The benefits of outpatient knee replacement include lower risk of infection, avoiding an overnight hospital stay, and being able to recover in the comfort of your own home.

Learn more about Outpatient Joint Replacement with Dr. Ballard >

Though the two procedures are similar and both have the goal of relieving knee arthritis pain, there are some differences between total and partial knee replacements.

Total Knee Replacement

With a total knee replacement, Dr. Ballard removes damaged bone and cartilage from the entire joint surface of the knee and replaces it with it with metal implants. A plastic spacer is inserted between the two metal components to allow the new joint to glide smoothly.

Partial Knee Replacement

During a partial knee replacement, Dr. Ballard only removes bone and cartilage from the damaged compartment of the knee. Partial knee replacement implants are designed to fit either the inner or outer portion of the knee, leaving the other side of the knee intact. As with a total knee replacement, the implants are made of metal, and a plastic spacer is inserted between the two metal components to allow the implants to glide smoothly when moving the knee.

Recovering from Knee Replacement Surgery

Because Dr. Ballard utilizes an outpatient surgery center for knee replacements, patients are able to return home the day of surgery. Advanced, multi-modal pain management techniques help patients to remain comfortable upon returning home while limiting the use of narcotic pain medications.

Patients begin walking, using an assistive device like crutches or a walker, the day of surgery. Physical therapy is also an important part of the recovery process. Patients may work with a physical therapist for several weeks to improve range of motion and strength in the knee.

When Can You Drive After Hip and Knee Replacement

Return to activity is gradual, though patients who have had partial knee replacements may recover more quickly than those who have had total knee replacements. Dr. Ballard will advise when it is safe to return to certain activities, though most patients are able to resume most daily activities within 4-6 weeks.

Knee Replacement Surgery in Oregon City & Tualatin, OR

Dr. Ballard is a board certified and fellowship trained joint replacement specialist with over 17 years of experience. He is highly experienced in both total and partial knee replacements, and also performs most knee replacements on an outpatient basis so that patients can avoid an overnight hospital stay. If you would like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Ballard, please call our office at (503) 656-0836 or request an appointment via our convenient online form.