Total Knee Replacements Specialist
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Intermountain Spine and Orthopedics
David M. Christensen, MD
Orthopedic Surgeon located in Twin Falls, ID
When patients need total knee replacements, Dr. David Christensen at Intermountain Spine and Orthopedics provides innovative, state of the art procedures to replace patients’ knees and help get them back to normal activities. With modern techniques, many knee replacements can be done on a same-day, outpatient basis. This allows patients to return home quickly and begin their recovery in the comfort of their own home.
Total Knee Replacements Q & A
Why Would Someone Need a Total Knee Replacement?
Knee replacements are common surgeries performed in the United States today and are known for successful patient outcomes. Dr. Christensen will attempt more conservative forms of treatment for knee injuries and recommend knee replacement if those less invasive measures are not effective. Injuries to the knee or degenerative conditions such as arthritis often lead to the need for knee replacement. Knee replacements are often an effective treatment for patients who are unable to carry out normal day-to-day activities such as going up and down stairs, walking, or trouble sleeping due to swelling, stiffness, or pain in the knee. If a patient has bone-on-bone arthritis where all the cartilage that cushions the knee joint has worn away, knee replacement surgery is usually the only effective treatment to provide sustainable pain relief to help the patient return to normal activities.
What Happens During Knee Replacement Surgery?
During total knee replacement surgery, the damaged or degenerated parts of the joint are removed and implants made of metal alloys, ceramics, or strong plastic are inserted to replace the joint. The three bone surface areas that can be replaced during knee replacement surgery include the lower end of the femur (thigh bone), the top surface of the tibia (One of the bones of the lower leg), and the back surface of the patella (knee cap). Dr. Christensen uses minimally invasive and robotic-assisted procedures to replace knee joints when helpful. Patients who need total knee replacements will be advised of all options available and given the doctor’s opinion on which type of procedure will best meet the individual patient’s needs.
How Do I Take Care of My New Knee?
Following surgery, you follow a physical therapy regime of increasing intensity to rebuild your strength in and around the joint. You will have regular follow-up appointments with Dr. Christensen to monitor your recovery and to make sure you are healing correctly. The doctor will provide you with customized post-operative instructions to ensure a safe and healthy recovery.
Insurance and Billing
We accept most major insurance plans. If you don't see your insurance, call the office and let us help you. Fees and payments: We make every effort to decrease the cost of your medical care. Therefore, we request payment arrangements for all office services at the time they are rendered unless prior arrangements have been made. We accept cash, checks, MasterCard, Visa, and Discover for your convenience. If we are a participating provider of your insurance company, we will bill them. However, payment is the patient's responsibility. We will help in any way we can to assist you in handling claims. Referrals: please bring in all paperwork or call into the office.
