What is total knee replacement?
Total knee replacement, also called total knee arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure for patients whose knee joint surfaces have become severely damaged by arthritis, prior injury, deformity, or long-term wear. In a healthy knee, smooth cartilage allows the femur, tibia, and kneecap to glide with low friction. When that cartilage is worn away, bone can rub against bone, causing pain, swelling, stiffness, instability, and difficulty with activities such as stairs, standing from a chair, walking through a store, or sleeping comfortably at night. During knee replacement, the damaged joint surfaces are reshaped and replaced with carefully selected implant components designed to restore alignment, reduce painful contact, and help the knee bend and straighten more comfortably.
Total knee replacement is not the first step for most patients. It is considered when pain and loss of function continue despite reasonable non-surgical care, imaging and examination show advanced joint damage, and the patient's goals are best served by replacing the diseased joint surfaces. Dr. Michael Mikolajczak, DO takes time to understand your pain pattern, prior treatments, medical history, mobility goals, and expectations before recommending an operation. The decision is personal: some patients need relief so they can return to basic daily activities, while others want to regain confidence walking, traveling, golfing, or staying active with family. A consultation helps determine whether your knee problem is truly at the stage where replacement is appropriate.
Why conservative care comes first
Dr. Mike's approach is surgery last, not surgery first. Before knee replacement is recommended, he reviews conservative options such as physical therapy, activity modification, anti-inflammatory strategies when appropriate, bracing, corticosteroid or hyaluronic acid injections, PRP therapy, and other non-operative treatments that may reduce symptoms or delay surgery. The goal is to exhaust reasonable options before committing to an implant procedure.
If non-surgical care no longer provides durable relief, the conversation shifts to whether knee replacement can reliably address your pain source and functional limitations. That conservative-first approach helps patients feel confident that surgery is being recommended because it is appropriate, not because it is the default.
Published orthopedic research benchmarks
Published orthopedic research reports 91% patient satisfaction at 12 months after total knee replacement and 97% implant survival at 5 years. These are population-level research findings, not a guarantee of an individual result.
The procedure and what to expect
Dr. Mikolajczak uses a patient-specific surgical approach, meaning the plan is built around your anatomy, alignment, diagnosis, and goals. Pre-operative evaluation may include physical examination, imaging, medical clearance, and a discussion of implant choices, anesthesia, pain control, and post-operative therapy. During surgery, damaged bone and cartilage are removed from the end of the thigh bone and shin bone, the joint is balanced, and implant components are positioned to restore more comfortable motion.
Recovery is active and therapy-driven. Many patients return to basic daily activities in about 3-6 weeks, while full recovery and improved endurance commonly take 3-6 months. The exact timeline depends on your health, strength before surgery, home support, therapy participation, and the complexity of your knee condition.
Frequently asked questions
Who is a candidate for total knee replacement in Wellington, FL?
Candidates typically have advanced knee arthritis or joint damage with pain and functional limits that continue despite conservative care. Dr. Mikolajczak evaluates imaging, exam findings, health history, and goals before recommending surgery.
Does Dr. Mikolajczak try injections or PRP before knee replacement?
Yes. His approach is to exhaust reasonable conservative options, which may include physical therapy, injections, PRP therapy, bracing, and activity modification before surgery is recommended.
How long does knee replacement recovery take?
Many patients resume basic activities in about 3-6 weeks, while full recovery and improved strength often take 3-6 months. Individual timelines vary.
How long do knee replacement implants last?
Published orthopedic research reports 97% implant survival at 5 years. Implant longevity depends on many factors including activity, health, surgical complexity, and follow-up care.
How do I book with a knee replacement surgeon in Wellington, FL?
Call Wellington Orthopedic Institute at 561-670-2010 or use the online booking link to request an appointment with Dr. Michael Mikolajczak, DO.