Procedure

Total Knee Replacement
in South Florida

Precision implant alignment and soft-tissue balancing designed for durable function, confident movement, and same-day discharge for appropriate candidates.

Total knee replacement (TKA) implant diagram

What Is Total Knee Replacement?

Total knee replacement (total knee arthroplasty, or TKA) replaces the worn surfaces of the knee joint — the distal femur (thigh bone), proximal tibia (shin bone), and patella (kneecap) — with precision metal and plastic implants. The goal is to relieve pain, restore alignment, and return you to an active life.

Modern total knee replacement has evolved dramatically. Minimally invasive approaches, advanced implant designs, robotic-assisted surgery, and optimized perioperative protocols have made this one of the most successful procedures in all of medicine — with excellent long-term outcomes and high patient satisfaction.

Surgical Approach Options

Subvastus

Avoids cutting the quadriceps tendon — favored for faster quad recovery in appropriate patients.

Midvastus

Limited quad split with excellent visualization — balance of exposure and soft-tissue preservation.

Medial Parapatellar

Standard reliable approach for complex anatomy, revision cases, or when maximum visualization is needed.

Approach is selected case-by-case based on anatomy, tissue quality, and recovery priorities.

Technology Options

Robotic-Assisted

Pre-operative planning and intraoperative feedback for improved implant positioning accuracy.

Navigation

Real-time bone tracking for precise alignment without pre-op CT scan.

Cementless Fixation

Bone ingrowth fixation for younger, active patients with good bone quality.

Recovery Timeline

Day 1

Walk with PT, same-day or next-day discharge

Week 2–4

Off cane, independent at home

Week 6

Return to driving (left leg surgery sooner)

Month 3–6

Return to golf, swimming, daily activities

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a total knee replacement last?
Modern implants last 15–25+ years in most patients. Longevity depends on activity level, weight, implant design, and surgical technique. Advances in implant materials and robotic-assisted positioning have significantly improved durability.
What is robotic total knee replacement?
Robotic-assisted techniques use pre-operative imaging and intraoperative feedback to improve implant positioning accuracy. This can lead to better alignment, more natural kinematics, and potentially longer implant survival — though the surgeon remains in control throughout.
Can I go home the same day after total knee replacement?
Same-day discharge is appropriate for many patients with modern outpatient protocols. Factors include overall health, support at home, pain control, and ability to walk safely before discharge. Dr. Denyer uses advanced pain management and recovery protocols to support this pathway.
What are the approaches for total knee replacement?
Dr. Denyer offers multiple minimally invasive approaches including subvastus, midvastus, and medial parapatellar — selected based on anatomy, tissue quality, and recovery priorities. Muscle-sparing principles are applied whenever appropriate.
Is cemented or cementless fixation better?
Both are excellent options. Cementless fixation uses a porous metal surface that bone grows into directly — often preferred in younger, active patients with good bone quality. The choice is made based on bone quality, patient age, activity level, and surgeon preference.
When can I drive after total knee replacement?
Most patients can resume driving 3–6 weeks after surgery, depending on which leg was operated on, pain levels, and reaction time. Right-leg operations typically require longer waiting periods. Clearance is given at follow-up.

Related Procedures

Schedule a consultation

Meet with Dr. Denyer to review your X-rays, discuss your symptoms, and determine whether total or partial knee replacement is right for you.

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