Cementless Knee Replacement
Cementless Total Knee Replacement in Cary, Holly Springs & Morrisville, NC
Cementless total knee replacement is an advanced approach to knee replacement that uses a press-fit implant designed to allow bone to grow directly onto and into the implant for biological fixation. For patients with painful knee arthritis who have not found adequate relief with nonsurgical treatment, cementless knee replacement may provide a durable option for restoring stability, mobility, and function.
Dr. Demetri M. Economedes is a fellowship-trained hip and knee replacement specialist who provides advanced joint replacement care in Cary, Holly Springs & Morrisville, NC. He evaluates each patient's symptoms, activity level, bone quality, and overall health to determine whether cementless total knee replacement is an appropriate treatment option.
What is Cementless Total Knee Arthroplasty?
Cementless total knee arthroplasty uses a special kind of knee implant, also called press-fit implant, that is fixed to the bone without the use of bone cement. The cementless knee implants have a porous surface with specific holes and are attached to the bones with screws. As time progresses, the bone cells grow into the implant. The bone-metal interface becomes a single healed unit as a result of biologic fixation.
What are the Indications for Cementless Total Knee Arthroplasty?
Cementless total knee arthroplasty is recommended only after non-surgical approaches such as medications, exercise, steroid injections, weight control, and lifestyle modifications are unsuccessful in relieving symptoms of arthritis and other related joint problems such as pain, weakness, and instability.
Indications for cementless total knee arthroplasty surgery include:
- Wear and tear of joints due to arthritis, trauma, or other medical conditions
- Significant knee pain
- Age less than 65 years
- Good bone quality
- Physically active
Cementless total knee arthroplasty IS NOT recommended for people with poor bone quality due to:
- Bone infection/osteomyelitis
- Bone deterioration (osteolysis)
- Osteoporosis
Colorado Springs Orthopaedic Group
Dr. Economedes is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in hip and knee replacement, adult joint reconstruction, and arthritis care. Fellowship trained in Adult Joint Reconstruction at Rush University Medical Center, he provides comprehensive treatment for joint pain and mobility issues. Dr. Economedes is committed to helping patients regain function and improve quality of life through personalized care and advanced surgical techniques.
How is Cementless Total Knee Arthroplasty Performed?
Cementless total knee arthroplasty is performed under general anesthesia.
- You are placed in supine position on your back with your knees slightly raised to facilitate incision placement.
- Your surgeon makes an incision in the skin over the affected knee to expose the knee joint.
- Then, the damaged portions of the femur bone are cut at appropriate angles using specialized jigs.
- The femoral component of the knee implant is attached to the end of the femur with or without a screw.
- Your surgeon then cuts or shaves the damaged area of the tibia (shinbone) and the cartilage. This removes the deformed part of the bone and any bony growths, as well as creates a smooth surface on which the implants can be attached.
- Next, the tibial component of the knee implant is secured to the end of the bone with or without screws.
- Care is taken that there is no gap between the implant components and the bones in your knee joint. This is done to ensure there is proper biological fixation as the bone begins to grow into the implant.
- Once the implants have been placed, the surgical instruments are removed.
- The incision is closed and covered with a sterile waterproof bandage.
What Does Post-Surgical Care for Cementless Total Knee Arthroplasty Involve?
Post-surgery, you will be monitored and discharged after 1 to 3 days. In some cases, patients may be discharged on the day of surgery. Post-operative imaging tests are usually ordered to determine the success of your knee surgery.
- You will be prescribed pain medications to keep you comfortable.
- You will be encouraged to walk immediately after surgery. A cane, crutches, or a walker will be needed for weight-bearing in the first few weeks.
- Perform mild exercises as per your physical therapist’s recommendations to remain active. You can gradually increase the intensity of your regular activities.
- Patients can return to normal activities within 3-4 weeks. Complete recovery may take up to 8 weeks.
You should visit your specialist for regular follow-ups to ensure a smooth recovery.
What are the Benefits/Advantages of Cementless Total Knee Arthroplasty?
Traditional knee replacements use bone cement. The drawback of using bone cement is that it can loosen over time, especially if you are involved in extensive physical activities. Thus, performing a cementless total knee arthroplasty has the following advantages:
- Shorter duration of surgery
- Preserves bone stock
- Longevity/long-lasting implants
- Easy to perform a revision surgery, if required
- Minimizes the risk of implant loosening
- The cementless implant may last for a long period ranging from 10-15 years up to one’s lifetime
- Minimizes the presence of any potential loose fragments
- Quicker recovery
- Better quality of life
What are the Risks and Complications of Cementless Total Knee Arthroplasty?
Cementless total knee arthroplasty is a relatively new technique when compared to cemented total knee arthroplasty. Hence, there is lesser evidence to support the long-term effectiveness of cementless implants. Some of the challenges or drawbacks may include:
- The fusion between the knee implant and the bone via biologic fixation may take a long time.
- The success of the procedure may reduce if there is a gap between the implant and the bone in absence of cement.
- The bone implant may loosen over time.
- Cementless knee implants are more expensive compared to the cemented total knee arthroplasty. The reason is the implants are manufactured using a special technology.
Why Choose Dr. Economedes for Cementless Knee Replacement in Cary, Holly Springs & Morrisville, NC?
Choosing the right joint replacement specialist is an important part of your treatment journey. Dr. Economedes specializes in hip and knee reconstruction and joint replacement, with advanced fellowship training in adult joint reconstruction from Rush University in Chicago. His expertise includes minimally invasive and revision hip and knee replacement procedures.
Patients throughout Cary, Morrisville, Holly Springs, and surrounding Triangle communities can benefit from:
- Specialized expertise in hip and knee joint replacement
- Fellowship training in adult joint reconstruction
- Individualized evaluation to determine the most appropriate implant and surgical approach
- Experience with advanced knee replacement techniques
- Consideration of bone quality, activity level, and long-term functional goals
- Comprehensive care from initial evaluation through postoperative recovery
Cementless implants are not appropriate for every patient. Dr. Economedes can assess your knee condition and bone quality and discuss whether cementless or cemented knee replacement is better suited to your individual needs.
Cementless Total Knee Replacement in Cary, NC
If knee arthritis is making it difficult to walk, exercise, climb stairs, or participate in activities you enjoy, Dr. Economedes provides specialized knee replacement care in Cary, NC. A comprehensive evaluation can help determine whether nonsurgical treatment, cementless knee replacement, or another treatment option is appropriate.
Cementless Total Knee Replacement in Morrisville, NC
Patients seeking advanced knee replacement care in Morrisville, NC can receive individualized treatment from Dr. Economedes. His focus on hip and knee reconstruction allows him to evaluate the severity of joint damage and recommend a treatment plan based on your anatomy, symptoms, bone quality, and functional goals.
Cementless Total Knee Replacement in Holly Springs, NC
For patients in Holly Springs, NC, cementless total knee replacement may be an option when arthritis causes persistent pain and limits mobility despite conservative treatment. Dr. Economedes provides personalized joint replacement evaluations and helps patients understand their surgical and nonsurgical options.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cementless Total Knee Replacement
Cementless total knee replacement uses a press-fit implant rather than bone cement to secure the components to the bone. The implant is designed to allow natural bone growth around its porous surface, creating biological fixation over time.
Candidates may include patients with advanced knee arthritis who have persistent pain and functional limitations despite nonsurgical treatment. Bone quality, age, activity level, overall health, and the condition of the knee are important factors when determining whether cementless replacement is appropriate.
Neither approach is universally better for every patient. Cementless and cemented implants have different characteristics, and the best option depends on factors such as bone quality, age, activity level, anatomy, and the surgeon's assessment.
Cementless implants rely on bone growth for biological fixation, so the process develops gradually during healing. Your surgeon will monitor your recovery and determine when it is appropriate to increase activity.
Recovery varies from patient to patient. Early walking and physical therapy are typically part of rehabilitation, followed by a gradual increase in activity. Your recovery timeline will depend on your overall health, strength, surgical findings, and progress with rehabilitation.
As with any major surgery, potential complications include infection, blood clots, nerve or blood vessel injury, stiffness, fracture, implant loosening, and other surgical risks. Your surgeon will discuss the potential benefits and risks before treatment.
Persistent knee pain, stiffness, swelling, deformity, and difficulty with everyday activities may indicate advanced arthritis. Knee replacement is generally considered when symptoms significantly affect your quality of life and conservative treatments no longer provide adequate relief. A consultation and imaging evaluation can help determine the appropriate treatment.
Take the Next Step Toward Better Knee Function
If knee arthritis is limiting your mobility or preventing you from enjoying the activities you value, a personalized evaluation can help determine whether cementless total knee replacement is right for you.
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Demetri M. Economedes in Cary, Morrisville, or Holly Springs, NC, to discuss your knee pain and explore your treatment options.