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Knee Treatment & Replacement

Lee Health's Approach to Knee Replacement

Using innovative joint replacement methods, Lee Health-affiliated orthopedic surgeons provide innovative solutions for your knee pain. Our surgeons reconstruct hundreds of knee joints each year.

Treatments include routine and complex total knee replacement, revision of previously replaced joints that have worn out or failed, partial knee replacement, and arthroscopic knee surgery. We also provide more conservative treatments such as cortisone injections and visco-supplementation.

Navigating Orthopedic Care Just Got Easier

Leah is your new digital guide from the Lee Health Musculoskeletal Institute, designed to support anyone experiencing knee pain. Powered by AI and built with insight from Lee Health experts, Leah helps you navigate your care journey with confidence. From understanding symptoms to finding the right specialist and making an appointment, Leah is here for you 24/7.

Knee Treatment and Replacement in Fort Myers, Estero, and Cape Coral

We are proud to offer world-class orthopedic care at multiple locations throughout Southwest Florida, making it easy to access the care you need close to home.

Understanding Knee Pain

Knee pain can arise from various factors, including injuries, chronic conditions, and overuse. Identifying the cause is the first step toward effective treatment.

Knee injuries are among the most common reasons for knee pain. These injuries often result from sports, accidents, or sudden movements that strain the knee joint. Some of the most common knee injuries include:

  • Ligament Tears – Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and medial collateral ligament (MCL) tears can cause instability and pain.
  • Meniscus Tears – The meniscus is a cartilage that cushions the knee. A tear can cause swelling and stiffness.
  • Fractures and Dislocations – A broken kneecap or dislocated knee requires immediate medical attention.

Orthopedic Specialists Near You

Each member of our world-class team brings years of specialized experience and a commitment to supporting you in your health journey.

Click 'Show More' to view all providers. 

Advanced Knee Treatment Options

Knee treatment involves a combination of medical, therapeutic, and lifestyle interventions. Finding the right approach depends on the severity and cause of your knee pain.

Nonsurgical Treatments for Knee Pain

For many individuals, conservative treatments provide significant relief. These include:

  • Physical Therapy: Strengthening the muscles around the knee improves stability and reduces strain.
  • Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen help reduce pain and inflammation.
  • Braces and Supportive Devices: Knee braces, orthotics, or compression sleeves offer stability and pain relief.
  • Lifestyle Modifications: Maintaining a healthy weight and engaging in low-impact activities (like swimming or cycling) can ease knee strain.

Surgical Treatment Options

When conservative treatments are insufficient, surgery may be necessary. Some surgical procedures include:

  • Arthroscopy: A minimally invasive procedure to remove damaged cartilage or repair ligaments.
  • Partial Knee Replacement: Replaces only the damaged portion of the knee joint.
  • Total Knee Replacement: For severe cases, a full knee replacement restores function and relieves pain.

Robotic Knee Treatment & Replacement

  • Robotic orthopedic surgery image

    Robotic Knee Replacement Surgery

    Do you have trouble standing up, difficulty walking or climbing stairs, or experience stiff knees? Your physician may recommend you to a Lee Health knee surgeon to see if robotic surgery is a treatment option for you.

Smart Knee Replacement

Knee Replacement Frequently Asked Questions

You may have a general anesthetic, which most people call "being put to sleep." Some patients prefer to have spinal or epidural anesthetic that numbs your leg only and light sedation. The choice is between you and the anesthesiologist.

Yes. High-impact activities, such as running, biking, pickleball, singles tennis and basketball are not recommended.

You will be seen for your first post-operative office visit two weeks after surgery. The frequency of follow-up visits will depend on your progress.

A knee replacement is a surgical procedure in which the surgeon removes the damaged bone and cartilage at the ends of the bones in your joint and replaces it with artificial parts. The goal of knee replacement is to allow you to move easily with less discomfort.

The leading cause of joint pain, osteoarthritis, is also known as degenerative joint disease. The cartilage that serves as a cushion and allows for smooth motion of the knee breaks down and wears away. Eventually it wears down to bone. Rubbing of bone against bone causes discomfort, swelling and stiffness.

A partial or uni-compartmental knee replacement is a procedure in which only one of the three compartments in the knee is repaired. Candidates for this procedure have arthritis primarily in the medial compartment of the knee. Your surgeon will determine if this is the right procedure for you.

We recommend that most people take at least one month off from work, unless their jobs are quite sedentary.

Yes. You may have a small area of numbness to the outside of the scar that may last a year or more and is not serious. Kneeling may be uncomfortable for a year or more, but you can kneel if you want to. Some patients notice some clicking when they move their knee. This is the result of the artificial surfaces coming together and is not serious. You may notice that your knee is warm for up to one year, again, this is not unusual. It is your knee healing from the surgery.

After Surgery: Orthopedic Nurse Navigator

We are committed to providing a compassionate orthopedic nurse navigator who plays a crucial role throughout your journey to recovery:

  • Guidance Through the Surgical Process: From preadmission to discharge, our nurse navigator will be with you every step of the way.
  • Preoperative Education: Receive detailed information about the procedure, recovery, and rehabilitation to help you prepare.
  • Continuous Communication: Maintain open lines of communication with the patient and family before, during, and after the hospital stay.
  • Answering Questions: Our nurse navigator is available to answer any questions you might have about the procedure, recovery, and rehabilitation.

 Call 239-343-3341 to contact the Lee Memorial Hospital orthopedic nurse navigator or 239-343-0297 for the navigator at Cape Coral Hospital or Gulf Coast Medical Center.

Lee Health Musculoskeletal Institute

Discover expert care at the Lee Health Musculoskeletal Institute, where we specialize in preventing, treating, and rehabilitating musculoskeletal injuries and conditions. Get back to doing what you love—learn more about our services today!

  • We treat a variety of musculoskeletal injuries

    Musculoskeletal Institute

    We're dedicated to helping you with your orthopedic, joint, spine, muscle, and sports medicine need, so you can get back to doing the things you love most.

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