Knee Replacement Surgery in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Knee replacement surgery (also called total knee arthroplasty) is a common procedure in Grand Rapids for people living with severe knee pain and stiffness, most often from osteoarthritis. During this surgery, a damaged knee joint is removed and replaced with an artificial joint (prosthesis) made of metal and plastic.

In West Michigan, many patients have knee replacement surgery at major health systems such as Corewell Health (formerly Spectrum Health), Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health – University of Michigan Health, and Mercy Health. Your care may also involve local resources such as the Kent County Health Department and Grand Rapids Public Health for rehabilitation and community support.

Why Knee Replacement Surgery Is Done

The most common reason for knee replacement surgery in Grand Rapids is severe osteoarthritis, which can be made worse by:

  • Years of physical work (manufacturing, construction, healthcare)
  • High-impact sports or injuries
  • Extra stress on the joints from being overweight
  • Winter-related slips and falls on ice and snow

Conditions That Can Be Treated With Knee Replacement

Knee replacement may be recommended if your knee joint is severely damaged by:

  • Severe osteoarthritis
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Post-traumatic arthritis (after a major knee injury)
  • Ligament damage or infection that leads to severe osteoarthritis
  • Bone dysplasias (disorders of bone growth)
  • Haemophilia with repeated bleeding into the joint
  • Crystal deposition diseases such as gout and pseudogout
  • Avascular necrosis (death of bone due to loss of blood supply)

If these conditions cause relentless pain, joint deformity, or serious mobility problems, your Grand Rapids orthopedic surgeon may discuss knee replacement surgery with you.

Medical Evaluation Before Knee Replacement in Grand Rapids

Before surgery, you will have a thorough assessment with your orthopedic surgeon and care team. This often includes:

Imaging and Joint Assessment

  • Physical exam of the knee
  • X-rays and, in some cases, MRI or CT scans
  • Review of walking pattern and range of motion

Your Medical History

Your surgeon and anesthesiologist will review:

  • Past medical conditions (heart disease, diabetes, lung disease, blood clots)
  • Previous surgeries
  • Allergies to medicines or metals
  • Any history of infections or poor wound healing

If you are older or have chronic health conditions (common in the Grand Rapids population), you may need:

  • Blood tests
  • Electrocardiogram (ECG) to check heart rhythm
  • Chest X-ray or other tests, as needed

Medications

Tell your doctor about all medications and supplements you take, especially:

  • Blood thinners (Warfarin, Eliquis, Xarelto, Plavix)
  • Aspirin
  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen
  • Herbal supplements that may affect bleeding

Your care team will tell you which medicines to stop and when before surgery.

Expectations and Goals

Your surgeon will explain:

  • What knee replacement can and cannot do
  • That the prosthetic knee cannot fully match the function of a completely healthy natural knee
  • Expected pain relief, mobility, and activity level after recovery
  • How long the artificial knee typically lasts

Most people in Grand Rapids who have knee replacement report less pain and better mobility, but heavy-impact activities (running, jumping) are usually discouraged long-term.

How Knee Replacement Surgery Is Performed

Knee replacement surgery is usually done at a hospital or surgical center in Grand Rapids that specializes in orthopedic surgery.

Before the Operation

You will typically:

  • Arrive at the hospital the morning of surgery
  • Change into a hospital gown
  • Have an IV (intravenous line) placed in your arm

You are usually given:

  • Antibiotics to help prevent infection
  • Blood-thinning medication about 30 minutes before surgery to reduce the risk of blood clots

Mechanical devices such as compression stockings or foot/leg pumps are used during and after the operation to further reduce clot risk.

Anesthesia

You will receive either:

  • General anesthesia – you are fully asleep
  • Spinal or epidural anesthesia – numbs the lower body; you may be awake but sedated

Your anesthesiologist will discuss the safest option for you based on your health and preferences.

Preparing the Leg

  • Your leg is cleaned with antiseptic solution
  • Sterile drapes are placed around the surgical area
  • You lie on your back on the operating table

The Incision and Joint Preparation

  • The surgeon makes an incision, often up to 30 cm long, from above the kneecap to below it
  • Soft tissues (muscles and ligaments) are gently moved aside to expose the knee joint
  • Damaged parts of the femur (thigh bone) and tibia (shin bone) are carefully cut and shaped
  • The diseased cartilage and bone are removed

More bone may be trimmed so that the prosthetic components fit in the correct position and alignment.

Placing the Prosthesis

  • Metal components are attached to the ends of the femur and tibia
  • A plastic spacer is placed between them to allow smooth, gliding movement
  • In most cases, a special bone cement is used to secure the prosthesis to the bone
  • If needed, the kneecap (patella) may be resurfaced or replaced with a plastic “button”

Ligaments and Soft Tissue Balancing

The surgeon adjusts ligaments and muscles to:

  • Improve joint stability
  • Ensure the knee bends and straightens smoothly
  • Correct deformities (such as bow-legs or knock-knees)

Closing the Wound

  • A drainage tube may be placed to remove excess blood and fluid
  • The incision is closed with stitches or metal clips
  • A sterile dressing is applied

The operation usually takes 2–4 hours.

Immediately After Knee Replacement Surgery

After surgery, you are moved to the recovery area, then to a hospital room at your Grand Rapids facility.

You can expect:

  • Your knee covered with a dressing
  • A drainage tube (if used) removing extra fluid
  • Regular checks of your vital signs (blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen level, temperature)
  • Antibiotics to lower infection risk
  • Blood-thinning medications to prevent clots in the legs and lungs
  • Strong pain relief, often via IV, epidural, or oral medication

First Days in the Hospital

  • You may start drinking and then eating light foods within the first day or two
  • Nurses encourage you to move your feet and ankles and bend your other leg as soon as possible to reduce clot risk
  • You are usually encouraged to stand and walk with help by the first or second day after surgery, often with a walker

Most Grand Rapids patients stay in the hospital for 7–10 days if there are no complications. Stitches or clips are often removed about 10 days after surgery.

Rehabilitation: Physical and Occupational Therapy

Physical Therapy (Physiotherapy)

A physical therapist will:

  • Show you knee exercises to improve strength and flexibility
  • Teach you how to walk with a walker, cane, or crutches
  • Help you practice climbing stairs safely, which is especially important in multi-level Michigan homes
  • Guide you on how much weight you can put on your leg and how to progress

You will usually continue physical therapy at:

  • An outpatient clinic in Grand Rapids or nearby suburbs
  • A home-based program, if recommended

Occupational Therapy

An occupational therapist can help you:

  • Learn safe ways to get in and out of bed, chairs, and cars
  • Plan temporary changes at home, such as:
    • Raised toilet seats
    • Safety rails in the bathroom
    • Shower chairs
    • Removing loose rugs to prevent falls
    • Rearranging furniture for easier walking with a walker

Local therapists in Grand Rapids can also advise on community resources and home safety evaluations, especially important during icy Michigan winters when fall risk is higher.

Possible Risks and Complications

Knee replacement is generally safe, but as with any major surgery, there are risks. Your Grand Rapids surgeon will discuss these with you.

Possible complications include:

  • Allergic reaction to anesthesia or medications
  • Wound infection (superficial or deep)
  • Severe infection that may rarely lead to amputation of the leg
  • Joint dislocation (less common than with hip replacements, but possible instability)
  • The prosthesis loosening, breaking, or wearing out over time
  • Temporary or permanent numbness around the incision
  • Nerve damage that can cause weakness or paralysis of the foot
  • Blood vessel damage leading to poor blood supply in the leg (rare, but can lead to tissue death or amputation)
  • Blood clots in the veins of the legs (deep vein thrombosis)
  • Pulmonary embolism (clot traveling to the lungs)
  • Lung infection (pneumonia)
  • Circulation problems
  • Heart attack or stroke
  • In very rare cases, death

Your care team in Grand Rapids will use multiple strategies to lower these risks, including:

  • Antibiotics
  • Blood thinners
  • Compression stockings and pumps
  • Early movement and walking
  • Careful monitoring of your heart and lungs

Taking Care of Yourself at Home in Grand Rapids

Once you leave the hospital, you play a major role in your recovery.

Wound Care

  • Keep your wound site clean and dry
  • Follow instructions for changing dressings
  • Do not soak the incision in a bath, pool, or hot tub until cleared by your surgeon
  • Watch for signs of infection:
    • Redness
    • Swelling
    • Warmth
    • Drainage or seepage
    • Fever or chills

Call your surgeon or primary care provider in Grand Rapids right away if you notice these symptoms.

Activity and Movement

  • Follow specific instructions on walking, climbing stairs, and sitting/standing
  • Use your walker, cane, or crutches as directed
  • Avoid:
    • Jumping or high-impact activities
    • Sudden twisting or jolting of the knee
    • Kneeling, unless your surgeon says it is safe
    • Most sports or strenuous activity for at least two months, often longer

Pain and Swelling Management

  • Take pain medications exactly as prescribed
  • Use ice packs as recommended to reduce swelling
  • Elevate your leg when sitting or lying down to help with swelling
  • Continue prescribed exercises to prevent stiffness

Lifestyle Choices

  • Avoid smoking – it increases the risk of lung infections and slows healing
  • Maintain a healthy weight – extra weight can wear out the prosthesis faster and increase pain
  • Eat a balanced diet rich in protein, fruits, and vegetables to support healing

Long-Term Outlook After Knee Replacement

In Grand Rapids and across Michigan, about 9 out of 10 patients who have knee replacement surgery experience:

  • Less knee pain
  • Improved mobility
  • Better ability to perform daily activities, such as walking, standing up, and climbing stairs

However:

  • It may take around 3 months before you feel significantly recovered
  • Full recovery and maximum benefit can take 6–12 months
  • Your artificial knee will not function exactly like a natural, healthy knee

With normal use, a knee prosthesis often lasts 10–20 years, but:

  • High-impact activities
  • Excess body weight
  • Severe deformities or injuries

can reduce its lifespan.

You will need regular check-ups with your orthopedic surgeon to monitor the condition of your artificial knee. Ongoing physiotherapy and home exercises can help maintain strength and flexibility.

Other Treatment Options Before Considering Surgery

Not everyone with knee pain needs a knee replacement. Your Grand Rapids healthcare provider may first recommend:

  • Walking aids such as canes, crutches, or walkers
  • Physical therapy to strengthen muscles around the knee
  • Weight loss programs (often supported by local clinics or hospital wellness programs)
  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen
  • Corticosteroid injections into the knee
  • Other surgical procedures, such as osteotomy, where diseased bone is cut and the joint is realigned

If these options do not provide enough relief and your knee continues to deteriorate, knee replacement surgery may be the most effective way to restore function and reduce pain.

Local Grand Rapids Resources and Where to Get Help

If you are considering knee replacement surgery in Grand Rapids, you may work with:

  • Your primary care provider (GP) – first point of contact, helps coordinate referrals
  • Rheumatologist – for arthritis and autoimmune joint diseases
  • Orthopedic surgeon – performs knee replacement surgery
  • Physiotherapist (physical therapist) – guides your rehabilitation and exercises
  • Occupational therapist – helps you adapt your home and daily activities

You can access orthopedic and rehabilitation services through:

  • Corewell Health (Spectrum Health) Orthopedics & Sports Medicine
  • Trinity Health Grand Rapids Orthopedics
  • Metro Health – University of Michigan Health Orthopedics
  • Mercy Health orthopedic clinics

For community health information, fall-prevention programs, and chronic disease support in West Michigan, contact:

  • Kent County Health Department
  • Grand Rapids Public Health

These local resources can help you manage arthritis, prepare for surgery, and stay safe and active—especially through Michigan’s icy winters, when joint pain and fall risks often increase.

Key Points About Knee Replacement Surgery in Grand Rapids

  • Knee replacement surgery replaces a damaged knee joint with an artificial prosthesis.
  • It is most often done for severe osteoarthritis and other serious joint diseases.
  • You will have a thorough medical evaluation and imaging before surgery.
  • During surgery, you receive antibiotics and blood-thinning medications; mechanical devices like stockings or foot pumps help prevent clots.
  • After surgery, you continue antibiotics and blood thinners and begin early movement and walking.
  • Risks include infection, blood clots, heart or lung problems, and in rare cases, death or amputation.
  • Most patients in Grand Rapids experience significant pain relief and better mobility but must protect the knee and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
  • Regular follow-up with your Grand Rapids orthopedic team and ongoing exercise are essential for long-term success.