Dr Guzman utilises the latest robotic techniques for knee replacement surgery. He aims to provide you with prompt, knowledgeable and individualised advice and procedures to get you back to your everyday life.
Dr Guzman has advanced training in knee replacement surgery, knee replacement revision surgery, arthroscopic knee surgery and knee surgery following orthopaedic trauma.
Knee pain and other symptoms such as stiffness, locking and giving way can be debilitating and negatively impact your quality of life. These symptoms may be the result of conditions such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis or may be the result of an injury.
If treatments such as medications and exercise no longer relieve your knee pain, it may be time to consider your surgical options. Knee replacement surgery, replacement revision surgery and arthroscopic surgery are common surgical options that can alleviate your pain and give you back your freedom of movement. If you are experiencing pain and are considering surgery, here is what you need to know and how Dr Guzman can help you.
Knee Replacement Surgery
Arthritis and/or injury can result in degeneration in your knee joint which can lead to pain and stiffness causing a limitation in your mobility and lifestyle. Using the latest robotic techniques, Dr Guzman can replace either part or all of your knee with a prosthesis giving you back your quality of life.
Cutting edge robotic knee replacement surgery enables Dr Guzman to individualise the placement of the prosthesis and ensure the most precise fit and accurate positioning based on your anatomy.
Do I need a total knee replacement or a partial knee replacement?
Three bones make up your knee joint: the base of the thigh bone (femur), the top of the shin bone (tibia) and the knee cap (patella). At the knee joint, each of these bones is lined with cartilage to enable your joint to move smoothly and without pain.
Over time, or as a result of an injury, the cartilage in your knee can degenerate or be damaged, resulting in symptoms such as pain and stiffness. When you place your hand on your knee and move it, you may feel (or even hear) crackling or grating. This damage can affect part or all of your knee. During your initial consultation, Dr Guzman will examine you, discuss your symptoms and review your x-rays, to determine whether part or all of your knee requires replacement.
Knee Replacement Revision Surgery
Knee replacement surgery is very effective in relieving pain and helping with symptoms of degenerative joint disease. However, over time components of the prosthesis may need to be replaced or the knee replacement may need to be completely revised. Symptoms such as pain, deformity and instability can sometimes alert you to this.
Dr Guzman has been trained and has extensive experience revising knee replacements due to pain, loosening or infection and will be able to work through this complex problem with you to get you back on your feet.
Arthroscopic Knee Surgery
An arthroscopy is a procedure used to assess and treat damage in the knee. Via small incisions, Dr Guzman inserts a camera (arthroscope) to visualise the knee joint and perform surgery.
An arthroscopy may be used to investigate and/or treat problems such as:
- Loose fragments of cartilage
- Torn meniscii
- Loose bone fragments
- Infections
- Knee cap problems
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
Dr Guzman encourages you to explore non-operative strategies to manage your pain and improve your function, prior to proceeding with an operation. Depending on your particular concern, these may include:
- Losing weight, which will decrease the amount of pressure on the joint
- Performing regular exercise
- Pain-relieving medications
- Knee injections to reduce pain
- Avoiding activities that can irritate the joint such as jogging and trying alternative forms of exercise such as swimming or cycling
- When you feel that non-operative options are no longer working, Dr Guzman is here to provide you with the most appropriate surgical solution for your condition.
What To Do Next
If you suffer from symptoms such as pain or stiffness in your knee, that interfere with your daily activities and aren't being alleviated by non-operative methods, you should ask your General Practitioner for a referral to see Dr Guzman. He will discuss the most appropriate course of action to best suit your needs and ensure you receive the best outcome possible.
Dr Maurice Guzman consults from the RPAH Medical Centre and the Chris O’Brien Lifehouse.
For more information, or to book an appointment, contact us here.