Knee Bones
- Femur (thigh bone)
- Patella (kneecap)
- Tibia (shin bone)
(214) 466-7391
Sunnyvale Sports Medicine and Orthopedic Center
Led by Dr. John Hibbitts, board-certified orthopedic surgeon
A trusted knee replacement surgeon for East Dallas and the surrounding communities — Sunnyvale, Garland, Mesquite, Rockwall, Terrell, Kaufman, Corsicana, and Athens. Relief from chronic knee pain and knee arthritis, close to home.
By 2030, total knee replacement procedures are projected to grow to 3.5 million yearly
of patients report decreased pain and improved quality of life after knee replacement.
of knee replacement implants last up to 20 years with proper care.
of knee replacement surgeries are performed for women.
Your Surgeon
Dr. Hibbitts is a knee replacement and arthroplasty surgeon and sports medicine specialist in Sunnyvale, TX. A board-certified orthopedic surgeon, he has worked with patients since 2000 to relieve pain, guide their care, and improve their quality of life. He is highly experienced as a knee replacement surgeon, with expertise in knee realignment procedures and meniscus and cartilage transplants.
Dr. Hibbitts wants every patient to understand the procedure and what comes before and after it. Knee replacement often requires a hospital stay, though Dr. Hibbitts offers outpatient knee replacement for patients who qualify, significantly reducing recovery time and cost. Here is what you need to know for a successful total knee replacement.
Contact Dr. Hibbitts at (214) 466-6947 to learn more about total knee replacement in East Dallas and Sunnyvale.
Understanding the Joint
The knee is the largest joint in the leg, connecting the thigh (femur) to the lower leg. As a hinge joint, it moves backward and forward while also rotating slightly, which is essential for walking, sitting, climbing stairs, and staying active. When cartilage loss and knee degeneration set in, that everyday movement becomes painful.
Cartilage covers the bone surfaces, letting them glide smoothly and cushioning against impact. When it wears away, bones rub together, which is the source of most knee arthritis pain a total knee replacement is designed to relieve.
Chronic knee pain and disability are most often caused by knee arthritis, a condition that weakens cartilage and the soft tissues of the joint. The most common types are:
Your primary care physician can diagnose arthritis and refer you to an orthopedic surgeon to discuss knee arthritis surgery.
Chronic knee pain treatment often begins when symptoms like these persist:
Arthritis can also produce osteophytes, or bone spurs, which are small growths that create friction and limit range of motion. A total knee replacement can significantly reduce or eliminate this chronic pain.
When to Consider Surgery
If you experience any of the following, you may find relief from knee joint replacement surgery:
Severe, ongoing knee pain that limits your daily activities.
Chronic inflammation and swelling that does not ease with rest or medication.
Bowing of the knee, either inward or outward.
Most people do not rush into surgery. Less invasive options, including over-the-counter and prescription medication, topical analgesics, and cortisone injections, can ease pain and inflammation. If those have not brought relief, it may be time to consider whether knee replacement is right for you. Dr. Hibbitts reviews each patient individually, with a full medical evaluation that may include x-rays, blood tests, an electrocardiogram, stress tests, and urine samples. If you both decide to move forward, he works with you, your support system, and your primary care physician to plan a surgery suited to your situation.
Some patients who are not candidates for a total knee replacement benefit from a partial knee replacement, realignment, or cartilage grafting.
Step by Step
After the initial incision, Dr. Hibbitts removes damaged cartilage from the femur and tibia and prepares the bone surfaces using specialized instruments.
The metal components of the implant are set into place, press-fit, cemented, or screwed into the femur and tibia.
The underside of the kneecap, or patella, is prepared and resurfaced as needed.
A medical-grade plastic spacer is placed between the implants so the new joint glides smoothly, supports weight, and moves naturally. The incision is then closed and dressed.
Recovery Timeline
Expect some pain, swelling, and stiffness, managed with medication. Within the first 24 hours, patients are encouraged to stand and walk with supervision and assistance.
Keeping the incision clean and dry is crucial to prevent infection. Pain and swelling fluctuate with activity, and mobility increases with the help of a walker or cane.
Physical therapy runs three to six months. Most patients reduce walker dependence within three weeks, stop using a cane by six weeks, and return to normal activities within three months.
Common Questions
Most patients follow this recovery timeline after a total knee replacement:
Physical therapy typically continues for three to six months to restore full strength and mobility.
About 85 percent of knee replacement implants last up to 20 years. Longevity improves when patients follow Dr. Hibbitts's post-operative care instructions. More than 90 percent of patients report decreased pain, improved mobility, and a better quality of life after surgery.
The total cost of a knee replacement in the United States varies widely based on several factors. Typical costs include:
Many insurance plans, including Medicare, cover knee replacement when a physician recommends it. Outpatient knee replacement, available to qualifying patients, can significantly reduce the overall cost.
You may be a candidate if you have severe, ongoing knee pain, chronic swelling that does not respond to rest or medication, or a knee deformity, and nonsurgical treatments have not helped. Dr. Hibbitts weighs your age, weight, overall health, medical history, and post-operative support before recommending surgery.
A total knee replacement resurfaces all three compartments of the knee joint. A partial, or unicompartmental, knee replacement treats just one area and is less invasive, often with a faster recovery. It is only suitable when arthritis is limited to one part of the knee.
There are more than 150 prosthetic designs. Metal components are typically cobalt-chromium alloys, or ceramic-metal composites for patients with nickel allergies, and the spacer is ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene. A complete implant usually weighs between 15 and 20 ounces.
Planning Ahead
Out-of-pocket expenses depend on your insurance coverage and limits. Many plans, including Medicare, cover knee replacement when a primary care doctor recommends it. Costs differ for a double knee replacement, and outpatient knee replacement can reduce the total for patients who qualify.
Schedule a consultation with Dr. John Hibbitts at Sunnyvale Sports Medicine and Orthopedic Center. Serving Sunnyvale, East Dallas, Garland, Mesquite, Rockwall, Terrell, Kaufman, Corsicana, and Athens.