Top Knee Replacement Surgeon in Westchester County


What is total knee replacement surgery?

Total knee replacement, sometimes called total knee arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure used to treat patients with knee joint damage. After a thorough orthopedic evaluation once you and your surgeon have agreed that knee surgery is indicated, a complete medical optimization process is undertaken. This includes a medical evaluation, pre-operative physical therapy or “pre-hab” and an extensive education program including a pre-op class and handouts to make your experience safe, comfortable and as stress free as possible. We understand that there is no such thing as a small procedure when it is on you or your family!

All of our procedures are performed in advanced, state-of-the-art, university-affiliated hospitals. The day of surgery involves meeting your anesthesiologist and pain management specialist. Most procedures are performed under regional or spinal anesthesia with sedation. Once comfortable, the procedure involves your surgeon removing the diseased cartilage from your knee joint and replacing it with artificial parts made of metal and plastic to help restore the knee’s function and alleviate the pain associated with knee arthritis.

The procedure is similar to a partial knee replacement, which takes out only the limited involved portion of the knee joint. With a total knee replacement, the entire worn away joint is replaced instead. We perform surgery in a minimally invasive fashion, sparing soft tissue and muscle and using advanced plastic surgical techniques with skin glue instead of staples and sutures whenever possible. Most of our patients are out of bed and walk the same day and go home within one or two days.

At Specialty Orthopaedics, our doctors have the background and experience needed to successfully perform knee replacement surgery to get you back to your regular routine as soon as we can.

When is knee replacement surgery necessary?

Our knee replacement specialists might recommend knee replacement surgery if you suffer from any of the following:

  • Failed primary knee replacement surgery
  • Knee fracture
  • Knee arthritis
    • Osteoarthritis of the knee
    • Post-traumatic arthritis of the knee
    • Rheumatoid arthritis of the knee

What does total knee replacement involve?

During knee replacement surgery at Specialty Orthopaedics, one of our skilled orthopedic surgeons performs the following:

  • Your surgeon makes a small incision near your knee joint.
  • Your doctor uses the latest research and techniques to carefully remove the damaged cartilage or prior joint replacement from your knee.
  • Your surgeon places the new components for your artificial knee joint securely in place.
  • The incision is carefully closed.

Following surgery, your doctor will go over all of the next steps you will take to ensure that you have a successful and quick recovery.

What People Say About Us!

” The first time I saw Dr. Zelicof he was my second opinion doc. I was sent by my primary care for one knee which was arthritic and in bad shape. He said he wanted pictures of both knees. He has an x-ray machine in his large office and he did it in 5 minutes, came back, had it on his PC he said, “You need double knee replacement surgery as soon as possible, your knees are bone on bone.” He said I will send you to physical therapy for 6 weeks before the operation to build up your muscles. So one year ago (January 2010) I had same-day double knee replacement surgery with the new women’s Stryker knee, which is very tough. He told me to call him if I had any problems. I called him from the hospital at 2am with a problem. He fixed it and came by to see me at 8am to check on me… I feel fantastic, no pain up down stairs, no pain sitting for long periods and getting up easily, I work out, etc… “

Click here to read more reviews.

What to expect during each step of the knee replacement surgery process?

Medications

You may be instructed by your surgeon and/or primary doctor to stop certain medications (such as strong blood thinners like Plavix or Coumadin) several days to a week before your surgery, depending on the medication. A new medication might be added for you to take until the time of surgery, depending on your medical history. In addition, you may be instructed to take some of your medications the morning of surgery even though you won’t be able to eat that morning. It is important for you to bring a list (or a bag of pill bottles) including all your medications to your medical clearance, including vitamins, over-the-counter medications, and supplements (a number of medications and supplements may interact with medications you might receive after surgery).

You will be asked to avoid certain medications such as blood thinners prior to surgery. A list will be given and reviewed with you.

You will be given a booklet with information regarding your joint replacement. There will be a pre-operative consultation to review the procedure at length. Additionally, it is recommended that you and a friend or family member attend one of the pre-op classes offered to provide information regarding your upcoming surgery.

We recommend a pre-operative evaluation by a physical therapist (prehab). This will serve to help strengthen your leg and also to develop a relationship with your PT for after surgery.

Day Before Surgery

Contact the hospital regarding your surgical time. Depending on your scheduled surgery, you will be asked to avoid any food or liquid after midnight the night before surgery. You may take certain medications with a sip of water.

It is recommended that you shower with an antibacterial soap and wipe the surgical site with the chlorhexidine wipe provided to you by the office.

Day of Surgery

Please arrive on time to allow for the hospital staff to welcome you and check you in.

Wear comfortable clothes, leave jewelry and valuables at home. Bring only essentials such as a phone, book or iPad.

Once you are checked in, you will be asked questions regarding your health and medications by the nursing and anesthesia staff. Please bring a list of all your medications to the hospital. If you don’t have a list, then bring your “bag of pills” so we can confirm your medications.

You will see your surgeon who will confirm your identity and initial your surgical site. We know the site and procedure, but it is always helpful to check!

You will meet your anesthesiologist and pain management specialist who will review the options to keep you comfortable and safe, both during and after the surgery. Most procedures are performed with a block or regional anesthetic, such as a spinal plus sedation to keep you comfortable. Often times, a block such as an adductor canal block is given for pain relief after surgery. Occasionally, general anesthesia is recommended as well.

You will be brought into a state-of-the-art surgical suite where a team of specialists will perform your joint replacement surgery using the most advanced minimally invasive techniques. Most wounds are closed using sutures under the skin and glue and mesh for the skin closure. An antibacterial dressing is placed that stays on for several weeks allowing you to shower right away.

After Surgery

After surgery, you will be taken to the recovery area where the nursing staff will care for your safety and comfort. Once it is safe, you will be transferred to the orthopedic unit to begin your transition from patient back to person!

Most patients get up and walk the same day of surgery with the aid of a nurse or physical therapist.

In most cases, you will be able to go home after one to three days. By the time of discharge, you should be able to safely walk several hundred feet and go up and down stairs independently. If you have special needs, recommendation for a short-term rehabilitation facility can be arranged.

You should make an appointment to see your surgeon 2-3 weeks after surgery to remove your dressing, review your progress and joint precautions, and recommend physical therapy as needed. You will be given a joint replacement card as your new joint may set off metal detectors. You will also be given a sheet emphasizing the need for antibiotic coverage prior to dental work and other procedures.

VIDEO GALLERY: Knee Replacement Animations


Please explore our knee replacement videos below. Use the left and right arrows to scroll between the various videos in this library.

Benefits of knee replacement surgery

The advantages of choosing to undergo knee replacement surgery with one of our qualified surgeons at Specialty Orthopaedics include the following:

  • Proven outcomes and metrics – Dr. Zelicof has been recognized by New York Magazine, Westchester Magazine and Castle Connolly Top Doctors in America for over 25 years
  • Our Joint Solutions program was the first in Westchester to be recognized and reaccredited three times by the Joint Commission with Gold Seals in Hip and Knee Replacement
  • Access to experienced and caring fellowship-trained, university-affiliated surgeons
  • A commitment to evidence-based orthopedic techniques, advanced minimally invasive approaches and pain management techniques
  • Surgery performed at some of the best orthopedic hospitals in the country
  • Getting it right the first time – when considering joint replacement surgery, trust your hip or knee to someone who treats other physicians and healthcare professionals

Your joint is special… Come to Specialty Orthopaedics for your care!

If you are interested in knee replacement surgery, visit Specialty Orthopaedics. Our New York orthopedic practice is home to a team of fellowship-trained orthopedists in a variety of specialty areas. We offer comprehensive treatment for musculoskeletal disorders in a caring and responsive clinical atmosphere. Give us a call at 914.686.0111 or fill out the form on this page to schedule your appointment today.

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Dr. Steven Zelicof

Joint Replacement & Arthritis Specialist

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