Knee replacement is surgery that resurfaces a worn knee joint with metal and plastic implants so you can move with less pain. It is one of the most common and well-established orthopedic procedures. Dr. Presley Swann evaluates each knee individually and only recommends replacement when it is the right step for you.
The Problem
When arthritis or an old injury wears down the knee, everyday movement gets hard: stairs, getting out of a chair, a walk that used to feel easy. Pain shows up at rest and at night. You may have already tried medication, injections, physical therapy, or a brace, and the relief does not last the way it used to. At that point, the question is not whether the pain is real; it is what actually fixes it.
How Dr. Swann Approaches It
Total knee replacement removes the damaged surfaces of the joint and caps the ends of the bones with smooth metal and plastic implants, so the knee glides instead of painfully grinding on arthritic cartilage. Dr. Swann starts with a full evaluation, your history, an exam, and imaging, and reviews the non-surgical options first. If replacement is the right move, he walks you through the plan, the implant, and what recovery looks like before anything is scheduled. Where a smaller repair or a partial knee replacement would serve you better, he will say so, and give you all the options for a care plan built around you.
Why Patients Trust This Practice
- Board-certified orthopedic surgeon, fellowship-trained in hip and knee replacement at the University of Utah, with residency at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester and 12 years in practice.
- Care is individual: the recommendation follows your knee, not a template.
- Serving the Denver metro area from our Englewood office at 799 E Hampden Ave, Ste 400, Englewood, CO 80113.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I need a knee replacement?
It depends on how much the pain limits your daily life and what imaging shows, not on age alone. Knee replacement is not a one-size-fits-all approach. If non-surgical care has stopped working and the joint damage is advanced, replacement becomes a reasonable option. The evaluation with Dr. Swann lets him pinpoint which parts of your knee are causing the problem and what will help improve your pain.
Is knee replacement the only option?
No. Medication, injections, physical therapy, bracing, and in some cases a partial knee replacement may be the better fit. Surgery is considered when those have been tried or are unlikely to help.
How long does recovery take?
Most people walk with support within a day or two and return to everyday activities over several weeks, with continued improvement over several months. Physical therapy is part of the process.
Will the new knee feel normal?
The goal is a knee that moves with far less pain. Many patients regain activities they had given up. The feel of the joint keeps improving as you heal and rebuild strength.
What risks does a knee replacement have?
Like any surgery, knee replacement carries risks, and it is not the right choice for everyone. Before anything is scheduled, Dr. Swann reviews the benefits and the risks with you for your specific situation so you can make an informed decision.
How long do knee implants last?
Implant survivorship has come a long way with good engineering and materials, and implants can last upwards of 20 to 25 years in the right patient. Your surgeon can give you a realistic expectation based on your age, activity level, and the implant used.
Can knee replacement be done as an outpatient procedure?
For many healthy patients, yes. Most of Dr. Swann’s knee replacements are done on an outpatient basis, with same-day discharge. Whether that is right for you depends on your health and your home support, and Dr. Swann will review that with you.
How soon can I drive again?
This varies by which knee and how you are healing. Your care team will clear you once you can control the vehicle safely and are off medications that affect driving.
Related
Exploring a less invasive option? Dr. Swann also offers partial knee replacement.
Ready to talk about your knee?
Schedule an evaluation with Dr. Presley Swann to find out whether knee replacement, or a less invasive option such as partial knee replacement, is right for you.
Call 720-475-3355 · Text 720-445-6836
The information on this page is for general education and is not medical advice. Every knee is different. For guidance about your own knee, please schedule an evaluation with Dr. Swann.