Knee replacement surgeons are among the busiest physicians anywhere you go, especially in states with a high population of senior citizens, like right here in Florida. Nearly 800,000 Americans receive a total knee replacement each year, and one in 10 adults will have a knee replacement before they turn 80. Selecting the best knee surgeons in Florida means you can expect to resume your life pain-free for 10 to 20 years.

A total knee replacement, also called arthroplasty, is safe and can take as little as six weeks of recovery. The best knee surgeons choose the right joint replacement for each patient’s condition and lifestyle and are highly skilled in advanced minimally invasive techniques. They have thousands of successful surgeries under their belts. Some top knee replacement surgeons work in orthopedic surgery centers offering comprehensive, coordinated care throughout the entire process with a staff of physical therapists and other specialists.

Keep reading to learn about what happens during an arthroplasty procedure, what sets great knee replacement surgeons apart and what’s important to consider when choosing a physician for total or partial knee replacement.

What is knee arthroplasty surgery?

Knee arthroplasty involves replacing all or a portion of your knee joint. Total knee replacements, or TKR surgeries, are more common than procedures to replace just part of the knee. Both are performed by orthopedic surgeons who are considered knee replacement specialists.  

Osteoarthritis is the top reason for a total knee replacement, followed by other types of arthritis, fractures and cartilage tears. Orthopedic specialists will try nonsurgical treatments for most patients before recommending joint replacement operations.

Several factors determine whether you may need a total knee replacement:

  • Severe cartilage breakdown and muscle weakness
  • Chronic intense pain
  • Difficulty walking or using stairs
Learn more about total knee replacement

A total knee replacement surgery involves cutting the quadricep tendon that connects to the knee and inserting an artificial replacement made of metal, plastic or ceramic. However, with the help of advanced robotics, some knee surgeons can use minimally invasive techniques to avoid cutting the tendon. Minimally invasive surgeries have a shorter recovery time and are usually less painful.

What’s the difference between good and great total knee replacement surgeons?

All knee surgeons are board-certified through either the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery or the American Osteopathic Board of Orthopedic Surgery. Many have completed fellowships in knee replacements and minimally invasive procedures.

Successful outcomes and healthy, satisfied patients distinguish the best knee replacement surgeons. They get to know their patients to choose the right artificial joint for that person’s lifestyle goals, and they avoid complications like post-op infections and loose components that can require another surgery to fix. Typically, these knee surgeons perform several hundred knee replacements annually, have excellent credentials and are readily referred by local physicians and physical therapists.

5 benefits of having surgery with a top-rated dr. for knee replacement 

Finding the best total knee replacement surgeons in your area will save you pain, time and possibly money. Here’s how:   

  1. They consider your individual anatomy so the chosen joint fits well and won’t become loose over time. 
  2. They choose a joint that provides enough stability and flexibility to support your lifestyle, such as resuming sports.
  3. They reduce the risk of painful complications requiring a second procedure, called a “revision.”
  4. They set you up for the fastest, pain-free recovery possible, minimizing post-op physical therapy.
  5. They may have experience with advanced robotics, which provides the most options for minimally invasive procedures with less pain and recovery time.

How do I know if my knee replacement specialist is among the best of the best?

Total knee replacement surgeons are often evaluated by the volume of surgeries they perform each year. Research shows that high-volume knee replacement surgeons have the best track record of successful outcomes. 

High volume typically means at least 50 surgeries annually, but some of the best total knee replacement surgeons perform 200 traditional or 400 minimally invasive surgeries annually. Here are other criteria to consider when researching knee replacement surgeons:

  • The number of specific procedures recommended
  • Their patient satisfaction score
  • Their affiliated healthcare organization, hospital or surgery center’s infection rate
  • Whether or not they have a certification or training in using robotics systems
  • Whether or not you can get convenient, coordinated post-op care at their affiliated healthcare organization, hospital, or surgery center
Couple walking on the beach

Questions to ask before knee replacement

Your relationship with your knee replacement surgeons could last for years. Choosing a surgeon who makes you feel comfortable and answers your questions thoroughly and patiently is essential. 

Bring these written questions to your evaluation:

  • Are you board-certified?
  • How many total knee replacements have you performed?
  • How many have you performed this year?
  • How many of the recommended procedures have you performed recently?
  • What is the expected outcome of my procedure?
  • What prosthesis do you prefer and why?
  • How long does that prosthesis last?
  • Is minimally invasive surgery an option for me?
  • Is your infection rate less than 0.5%?
  • How many of your patients have needed revisions?
  • How long will I stay in the hospital?
  • How long is the recovery?
  • What does recovery entail?
  • What kind of pain relief do you prefer?
  • How long will any post-surgical restrictions last?

FAQs about assessing knee replacement surgeons

How can I find the best knee replacement surgeons near me? What do robotic knee surgeons do? Is there a maximum age for a knee replacement? These are the most common questions about total knee replacement surgery, and we’ve covered those above, but the following are some of the other popular questions a patient often wants answers to when considering undergoing a knee replacement operation and seeking a surgeon.

Can any knee surgeon give me a new knee? If not, who is the best doctor for knee replacement surgery?

Knee surgeons specialize in specific procedures and areas of the knee. Knee replacement surgeons are a subset of knee surgeons trained and experienced in joint replacement. Some may specialize even more in cartilage repair, kneecap resurfacing, minimally invasive surgery, robotics techniques and other niches. 

How do I find the best knee replacement surgeons near me?

The best way to compile a short list of candidates is to ask your primary physician and friends for referrals. Chances are you know several people who have had a knee replacement. Another option, if you know any physical therapists in your area, is to ask who they recommend. Then cross-reference those names with your insurance coverage and board certifications online.

Before I schedule, is it worth getting a second opinion from another knee replacement surgeon near me?

Yes. It’s always a good idea to seek a second (or third or fourth) option to consider your options. Many qualified knee replacement surgeons are in Florida, and your physician and friends may give you multiple referrals. Talk to several knee replacement specialists to find the one you feel is best for you.

What do robotic knee replacement surgeons do?

Robotics techniques are used for extreme precision. Knee replacement surgeons specializing in various robotic procedures operate a long mechanical arm to implant the artificial joint customized to the patient’s anatomy. Benefits typically include more flexibility in the joint and shorter recovery time. 

Is there any harm in waiting to have a total knee replacement?

You risk experiencing more pain if you delay a recommended knee replacement surgery. Also, if the condition of your knee joint continues to deteriorate, you may have fewer options for procedures and prostheses. 

How bad does a knee have to be before it’s replaced?

Typically, knees aren’t replaced until all other options have failed to relieve severe pain and restore functionality. Knee specialists first try physical therapy and conservative treatments—like bracing, anti-inflammatories and weight loss—to reduce stress on the knee before considering a total knee replacement.

Am I too old for knee replacement?

You’re not too old to consider one. Advances in technology and anesthesia have pushed the age range for a total knee replacement well into the 90s. Factors include your overall health, lifestyle goals, cost and expectations. 

Choose one of FOI’s knee replacement surgeons for a world-class arthroplasty experience

Florida Orthopaedic Institute is proud to be the home of the best knee replacement surgeons in central Florida. Our knee specialists perform hundreds of total joint replacement surgeries annually with excellent outcomes and low revision rates, offering the latest and most advanced techniques. 

At FOI, patients receive coordinated care from top-rated physicians and pre- and post-op specialists in one system that holds all your records, billing information and appointment schedules, providing unparalleled convenience from day one.

Schedule With a Physician or Request an Appointment to book an appointment to discuss arthroplasty with a member of FOI’s experienced team of total knee replacement surgeons.

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January 3, 2025