Dameron Hospital | Health Outlook | Spring 2020

— Continued from Page 11 New knees with less pain, faster recovery surgical techniques and computer- assisted technology, along with highly effective pain management, achieves excellent results for patients in terms of relieving pain, gaining mobility and restoring their quality of life. “We use multiple anesthetic techniques before, during and after surgery to significantly decrease pain and swelling caused by joint replacement surgery,” Dr. Mikaelian says. “Our patients can walk several feet within a few hours of surgery and experience much less pain than with traditional knee replacement surgery.” Recovery in half the time In addition to pain management, the patient recovery period is also accelerated, due to a much smaller incision to access and replace the knee joint. “By avoiding an incision into the quadriceps tendon — which occurs during a traditional knee replacement procedure — we provide the patient with immediate benefits in terms of speeding up the healing process and regaining the use of their leg,” says Dr. Mikaelian. “Patients are usually discharged the day after surgery, and most patients will be able to walk without assistance in about half the time it takes following a traditional knee replacement.” When is knee replacement needed? Total knee replacement surgery is typically performed to provide relief 12  Health Outlook • Spring 2020 ORTHOPEDICS