Learn How a Total Knee Replacement (Total Knee Arthroplasty) Can Help You Get Back to Activities You Love Without Knee Pain
If knee pain limits your ability to walk, hike, golf, or simply enjoy daily life, total knee replacement with fellowship-trained joint reconstruction specialist Dr. Richard Auran can help you return to an active lifestyle.
Based in Beaverton, Oregon, Dr. Auran provides personalized knee replacement surgery using advanced surgical techniques designed to reduce pain, speed recovery, and restore natural movement.
Use this guide to help you understand what is involved in a total knee replacement and how it may help increase your quality of life.
What Is Total Knee Replacement?
Total knee replacement (knee arthroplasty) is a safe and effective surgical procedure that relieves pain, restores mobility, and improves quality of life for people with severe knee joint damage. During surgery, the worn or damaged knee joint is resurfaced with a prosthetic implant designed to move smoothly and naturally.
Who Needs Total Knee Replacement Surgery?
You may be a candidate for total knee replacement surgery if you have:
- Severe knee pain that limits daily activities
- Knee stiffness that reduces range of motion
- Pain that continues despite medication, physical therapy, or injections
- Knee arthritis (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, post-traumatic arthritis)
- Osteonecrosis (avascular necrosis)
Benefits of Total Knee Replacement
Patients who undergo a total knee replacement commonly experience:
- Significant pain relief
- Improved walking and mobility
- Better sleep and daily function
- Return to low-impact activities and some sporting activities (in select cases return to high level sporting activity is possible)
- Long-lasting results (15–25+ years for many implants)
Understanding the Knee Implant
A modern knee prosthesis typically includes:
- Femoral component – metal piece that resurfaces the end of the thigh bone
- Tibial component – metal tray and plastic insert resurfacing the top of the shin bone
- Patellar component – optional plastic button replacing the undersurface of the kneecap
These components work together to create a smooth, low-friction joint.
The Knee Replacement Procedure: Step by Step
Here are the typical steps that Dr. Auran completes during a knee replacement procedure using advanced robotic techniques designed to minimize disruption to your body and accelerate rehabilitation.
- Remove damaged cartilage and bone
- Prepare the femur and tibia
- Place the artificial femoral and tibial components
- Optional – resurface the patella
- Close the soft tissue
Benefits of Robotic-Assisted Knee Replacement
- Precise alignment of components
- Personalized implant positioning
- May improve long-term joint function
Recovery and Rehabilitation
Immediately After Surgery
- Standing and walking (often the same day)
- Same-day discharge home in the majority of cases
- Pain controlled with modern multi-modal techniques
First Few Weeks
- Physical therapy starts early (3-4 days) to restore range of motion and strength
- Increasing independence with daily activities
- Gradual transition from walker → cane → unassisted walking as symptoms allow
Long-Term Recovery
- Many patients resume normal activities in 8–12 weeks
- Full healing continues for several months up to one year after surgery
Risks and Safety
Total knee replacement is one of the most successful procedures in modern medicine, but like all surgeries it carries some risks, most commonly:
- Infection or wound healing issues
- Blood clots
- Implant loosening or wear over time
- Stiffness or reduced range of motion
Dr. Auran and his surgical team use advanced protocols to minimize these risks.
Preparing for Knee Replacement
Having knee surgery is a big decision and a big commitment! To achieve the best outcome for your knee replacement, we will encourage you to:
- Optimize your overall health
- Strengthen leg muscles and improve knee motion before surgery
- Prepare your home for safe recovery
- Arrange support for the first few days to weeks
Life After Knee Replacement
Dr. Auran does not place long-term restrictions. You can return to activities that feel comfortable after allowing time for healing. Most patients return to:
- Walking for exercise
- Low-impact sporting activity as desired
- Travel and daily activities without pain
- Certain high-impact or cutting-and-pivoting type sports activities may not be comfortable after knee replacement
Your Knee Replacement Journey
Working with an experienced high-volume knee replacement specialist and an experienced orthopedic team may lead to:
- Easier recovery
- Lower complication rates
- Better implant positioning
- More natural-feeling movement
Why Choose Dr. Richard Auran for Knee Replacement?
- Fellowship-trained in adult hip & knee reconstruction
- Expertise in primary and revision knee replacement
- Advanced experience with multiple implant systems & robotic technology
- Focus on rapid recovery and long-term mobility
Dr. Auran partners closely with each patient to create an individualized treatment plan that relieves pain and restores function so they can return to the activities they enjoy. Here is a typical treatment pathway for Dr. Auran’s patients:
- Personalized Consultation – Review imaging, prior treatments, and goals.
- Pre-Surgery Optimization – Clear preparation plan for home and recovery.
- Surgery – Advanced techniques focused on precision and safety.
- Rapid Recovery – Many patients walk the same day.
- Return to Activity – Many resume normal daily activities in 8–12 weeks.
If knee pain limits your life, total knee replacement may help you return to the activities you love.
Call today to schedule your consultation and learn about personalized treatment options.