Your knees work hard to get you from place to place, and they’re generally quiet about it—that is until things start going wrong. Knee pain is, unfortunately, a common problem for Americans of all ages.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 15 million people say they have severe joint pain from arthritis alone. But other injuries and conditions can put your knees in peril, too, including tendonitis, fractures and tears, obesity and arthritis.

When to see a Knee Specialist?

Many patients delay treatment for knee pain out of fear and worry about surgery, living years with unnecessary pain and discomfort. Yet, surgery isn’t always the answer.

“We limit our practice to treating knee injuries and knee disorders,” says Dr. Jeffrey H. DeClaire, Orthopaedic Knee Specialist at Michigan Knee Institute in Rochester Hill, Michigan. “We do a complete evaluation of the patient’s knee, looking at non-operative methods first, allowing us to determine the best course of treatment and to get patients back in the game of life in a shorter period of time.”

Advancements in Outpatient and Minimally Invasive Techniques

Living in constant pain and being unable to live an active life shouldn’t be your norm. Recent advancements in minimally invasive surgery and care for patients undergoing partial or total knee replacement have made it possible to shorten the length of stay post-surgery. And, for selected patients, outpatient surgery is a safe option for knee replacement.

“As knee surgery has evolved, I’ve become more involved in knee arthroplasty and knee replacement,” says Dr. DeClaire, who is one of few surgeons in the world who specializes in the knee only. “The degenerative process of the knee progresses as patients age, which ultimately may require surgical intervention. The goal is to restore normal knee function with the least invasive surgical treatment.” He continues, “Minimally invasive methods, combined with robotic technology, are now used to perform both partial and total knee replacement. These new technologies and surgical techniques minimize the trauma to the tissue, providing a more rapid recovery and also allowing the procedure to be performed on an outpatient basis.”

Outpatient knee replacement provides significant benefits for the patient. By avoiding the hospital stay, the patient minimizes the hospital-acquired infection risk, mobilizes quickly in the familiarity of their own home, and typically sees dramatic cost savings.

A Better Outcome

The good news is that Dr. DeClaire and his dedicated staff are here to help you regain your mobility and life. From the first evaluation through rehabilitation, Michigan Knee Institute enhances the patient experience and improves outcomes with the latest medical technology at a state-of-the-art medical facility. Learn more about their practice at michiganknee.com or by calling (248) 650-2400.