Sooner Beats Later For Knee Replacement



If painful arthritis is hampering your ability to walk, there’s no need to “tough it out” until the problem gets worse.

Joseph George, Jr., MD, Cleveland Clinic orthopaedic surgeon, says you may be better off having a knee replacement now. Improved surgical tools and procedures have made joint replacement of the knee one of the most successful surgeries of the last century.

If damage is confined to one of the three compartments of the knee, surgeons can remove and resurface only damaged areas, sparing healthy cartilage. After partial knee replacement, patients walk on the day of surgery and go home within 24 hours on oral pain medication.

If a full knee replacement is required, you may be a candidate for one of the newer types of knee replacement parts that are highly flexible, allowing the knee to bend up to 155 degrees. With proper care, individuals who undergo total knee replacement can expect a greater than ninety-five percent chance of success for at least 15 years. 

Take a Virtual Tour!
View a video to learn about the enhanced experience now available at Lakewood Hospital for patients in need of orthopaedic care. Our facility offers private rooms, personalized attention, specially trained nurses, highly skilled physical therapists and more.

Joseph George, Jr., MD Orthopaedic Surgeon  To make an appointment for an evaluation of knee pain with Dr. George or another Cleveland Clinic orthopaedic surgeon, call 440.204.7800 Cleveland Clinic Lorain Family Health Center 5700 Cooper Foster Park Road Lorain, OH 44053