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Knee Replacement at Sharp

Sharp’s fellowship-trained knee replacement specialists combine advanced surgical techniques with comprehensive recovery support, giving you the best chance at pain relief and mobility.

Conditions That Require Knee Replacement

Osteoarthritis

The most common reason for knee replacement, osteoarthritis, occurs when the cartilage cushioning in the knee joint gradually wears away over time. This leads to bones rubbing against each other, causing persistent pain, swelling, and reduced ability to move freely.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a condition where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the knee joint, leading to chronic inflammation and gradual joint damage. Over time, this can cause significant pain, deformity, and difficulty performing everyday tasks that may require joint replacement.

Post-Traumatic Arthritis

This type of arthritis develops in the knee following a fracture, ligament tear, or serious injury, at times years after the original incident. The injury’s damage accelerates cartilage breakdown, leading to pain and stiffness similar to osteoarthritis.

Degenerative Joint Disease

With aging, the structures within the knee, including cartilage, tendons, and bone, naturally begin to deteriorate. When this degeneration becomes severe enough to cause constant pain and limit daily activities, knee replacement may be the most effective solution.

Avascular Necrosis

While less common than arthritis-related conditions, avascular necrosis occurs when the blood supply to the bone in the knee is disrupted, causing the bone tissue to weaken and eventually collapse. This can result in severe joint damage and pain, often making knee replacement necessary to restore function and quality of life.

Knee Replacement Treatments At Sharp HealthCare

Total Knee Replacement

One of the most common and successful orthopedic procedures, total knee replacement resurfaces the entire damaged knee joint using prosthetic components made of metal and plastic. We typically recommend this treatment when arthritis or injury affects the whole joint. Most patients experience significant pain relief and improved mobility.

Partial (Unicompartmental) Knee Replacement

Partial knee replacement targets only the damaged compartment of the knee, leaving healthy bone, cartilage, and ligaments intact. It’s a less invasive alternative to total replacement, often resulting in a faster recovery. Sharp’s knee replacement approaches may use Mako robotic assistance to improve precision. This treatment is ideal for those with damage limited to one area of the knee.

Robotic-Assisted Knee Replacement

Our robotic-assisted treatment involves the use of Mako robotic technology 3D CT imaging to build a personalized surgical plan before the procedure begins. During surgery, real-time robotic guidance helps our surgeons execute the plan with greater accuracy. This approach can mean a better-fitting implant and more consistent outcomes. It is available at Sharp Grossmont and Sharp Coronado.

Revision Knee Replacement

Revision knee replacement involves repairing or replacing a previously implanted knee prosthesis that has worn out, loosened, or failed. These procedures are more complex than primary replacements and are performed by specialized knee replacement experts at Sharp. Synergy surgeons bring extensive experience in managing the most challenging revision cases.

Conservative Options

Before surgery, many patients benefit from non-surgical treatments, such as physical therapy, corticosteroid or gel injections, and custom bracing. These approaches aim to reduce pain, improve function, and delay or avoid the need for surgery. We often recommend conservative care as the first step for mild to moderate knee conditions. Our knee replacement surgeons at Sharp work with you to create a personalized plan for your specific condition.

Sharp Knee Replacement Recovery Timeline

At Sharp, knee replacement treatment follows the Joint Endeavor program. We perform over 2,000 hip and knee procedures annually across Sharp hospitals.

Recovery timeline

  1. Pre-surgery preparation: Consultation, imaging, surgical planning, and medical clearance
  2. Day of surgery: Hospital-based procedure performed by your orthopedic team
  3. Days 1-2 early recovery: You’ll begin moving, start physical therapy, and may be discharged
  4. Weeks 2-6 outpatient rehab: Physical therapy continues, gradual return to daily activities
  5. Months 3-6 return to normal life: Most patients resume the majority of their regular activities

Knee Replacement Specialists At Sharp

Harbinder S. Chadha, MD - Board Certified, American Board Orthopedic Surgery

Harbinder Chadha, MD

Joint reconstruction

Thomas Hong, MD

Knee replacements

Rina Jain, MD - Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon

Rina Jain, MD

Joint Restoration

Michael Muldoon, MD - Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon

Michael Muldoon MD

Joint Restoration

Sharp Orthopedic Locations For Knee Replacement Surgery

Sharp Memorial Hospital

San Diego, CA

Located in Kearny Mesa, Sharp Memorial Hospital – Orthopedics is a 650-bed tertiary hospital renowned for its advanced programs in heart care, cancer, orthopedics (including joint replacement and spine), and rehabilitation; it serves as a flagship site for complex orthopedic surgery.

Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center

San Diego, CA

Sharp Chula Vista Medical Orthopedics is a 449-bed, Planetree-designated hospital that offers the most extensive range of services in the South Bay, including orthopedic surgery integrated with local outpatient and rehabilitation services.

Sharp Coronado Hospital

San Diego, CA

Sharp Coronado Hospital is a 188-bed Planetree Gold-certified community hospital on Coronado Island that offers medical-surgical care, ICU, subacute and long-term care, and a 24/7 emergency department, with growing orthopedic and joint capabilities.

Sharp Grossmont Hospital

San Diego, CA

Sharp Grossmont Hospital in La Mesa is a large East County acute-care hospital and central orthopedic hub, providing joint replacement, sports injury care, and spine services, and serving as a key facility for the San Diego Arthroscopy and Sports Medicine Fellowship.

FAQs

Sharp knee replacement options include total knee replacement, partial knee replacement, robotic-assisted knee replacement, and revision knee replacement.

Yes, robotic-assisted knee replacement is available at Sharp Grossmont and Coronado.

Most patients begin walking on the day of surgery, get discharged within 1 to 2 days, and return to normal activities 3 to 6 months.

We perform over 2,000 hip and knee procedures annually across Sharp hospitals.

Our knee replacement surgery specialists, including Dr. Hong, Dr. Jain, Dr. Muldoon, and Dr. Trivellas, perform the surgeries.

Schedule an appointment with a Sharp-affiliated Synergy orthopedic specialist.