Restore Your Quality of Life with a Total Knee Replacement
Damaged bone or cartilage in your knee can limit your ability to perform simple activities, such as walking or climbing stairs. If you have tried nonsurgical treatments and found no relief from knee pain and stiffness, you may need knee replacement surgery. Our world-class surgeons, Roberto Lara de La Fuente and Dr. Santiago Torres Becerra, have over 32 years of experience performing orthopedic surgery. At Orthocaremex, we use minimally invasive techniques to restore the comfort and function of your knee. Our practice is located in stunning Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, and we see patients from all over the world due to our affordable prices, modern medical facilities, and years of experience.
When Is Surgery the Right Option?
typically recommend surgery when other treatments, such as physical therapy or medications, have failed to provide the relief you need to live the life you want. Surgery may help you if:
- Your knee is regularly swollen and inflamed
- Stiffness and severe pain limit your ability to walk, climb stairs, and perform other normal activities
- Pain continues when you are resting
- Your knee has visible defects, such as bowing
Your regular physician can perform a physical exam to determine whether a total knee replacement is right for you. He or she will likely take x-rays as well to assess the damage inside your knee. You can also schedule a consultation with our team to discuss your options.
What to Expect during Treatment
We perform all of our procedures at CMQ Riviera Nayarit, a world-class hospital in Puerto Vallarta with the latest medical equipment and full intensive and critical care units. If you are in good health, we can perform your knee replacement as an outpatient procedure.
A typical total knee replacement involves four basic steps:
- Preparing the bone: Your surgeon will remove damaged cartilage at the ends of the tibia and femur. He may also remove a small amount of bone.
- Positioning the implant: Metal components are used to replace the removed cartilage and bone. These parts recreate the surface of the joint.
- Resurfacing the kneecap: Depending on your needs, your surgeon may also resurface your patella (kneecap).
- Inserting a spacer: The final step of a knee replacement involves placing a plastic spacer between the metal components. This device acts as a cushion and allows for a smooth gliding surface.
Our surgeons use minimally invasive surgical techniques to reduce the amount of trauma to the surrounding muscles and tendons. Most patients receive general anesthesia before undergoing a total knee replacement. The surgery typically takes about one to two hours.
Recovery and Returning Home
Most patients are able to stand and walk within a day of their surgery. However, you may not be able to get up on your own. We will provide you with instructions covering the day of surgery and the entire recovery process. You will likely need to attend physical therapy and make some changes to your daily life to ensure the success of your replaced knee.
At Orthocaremex , we are able to offer world-class care at a fraction of the price of treatment in the U.S. and Canada.
We typically recommend patients remain in Puerto Vallarta for four nights and five days. If you want to remain in Mexico until your sutures are ready for removal, you will need to stay for about two weeks. You will have continued access to our team and a support group throughout your recovery.
