Knee Surgery & Treatment FAQs

Whether you’re struggling with knee pain, recovering from an injury, or exploring joint replacement, Dr. Todd Pitts is here to help. As a board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in joint preservation and replacement, Dr. Pitts takes a patient-centered approach to restoring mobility, function, and quality of life. Below are answers to some of the most common questions patients ask about knee conditions and treatment options.

Conditions We Treat:

  • Dr. Pitts provides both surgical and non-surgical care for a wide range of knee issues, including:

    • Meniscus tears

    • ACL and other ligament injuries

    • Arthritis and cartilage damage

    • Patellofemoral pain and instability

    • Knee fractures and trauma

    • Chronic knee pain

    • Bone-on-bone joint degeneration

    • Failed or painful joint replacements (revision surgery)

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • Before considering surgery, Dr. Pitts often recommends:

    • Physical therapy

    • Anti-inflammatory medications

    • Joint injections (steroid, hyaluronic acid)

    • Activity modification and bracing

    • Weight management and strengthening

    • Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections (when appropriate)

    It’s most common in people who perform repetitive gripping actions, but it can affect anyone.

  • If non-surgical options no longer provide relief and knee pain limits your ability to walk, work, sleep, or enjoy life, surgical intervention may be the next step. Dr. Pitts carefully evaluates each patient and only recommends surgery when it is truly necessar

    • Knee Arthroscopy – Minimally invasive procedure to treat meniscus tears, cartilage damage, and ligament injuries.

    • Total Knee Replacement – Replaces damaged joint surfaces to relieve pain and restore function.

    • Partial Knee Replacement – Replaces only the damaged portion of the knee, preserving ligaments and natural motion.

    • Revision Knee Replacement – For patients who’ve had a prior joint replacement that’s no longer working properly.

    • Meniscus Repair or Partial Meniscectomy – Repairs or removes the torn portion of the meniscus based on type and location of the tear.

    • ACL Reconstruction – Rebuilds the torn ligament to stabilize the knee.

    • Fracture Fixation – Surgical repair of traumatic knee injuries or fractures.

  • Partial knee replacement treats damage in just one part of the knee, while total replacement addresses damage in all three compartments. Partial replacement offers a faster recovery and more natural knee function when appropriate. Dr. Pitts will help you determine which option is best based on your imaging and symptoms.

  • Recovery depends on the procedure. For example:

    • Knee arthroscopy: 2–6 weeks for most activities

    • Partial knee replacement: Walking the same day, recovery in 4–6 weeks

    • Total knee replacement: Walking the same day, most patients recover in 6–12 weeks, though full strength continues to build for several months

      Dr. Pitts emphasizes early motion, pain control, and coordinated rehab to get you back on your feet as quickly and safely as possible.

  • Yes—physical therapy is a critical part of recovery for most knee procedures. Dr. Pitts works with trusted therapy partners and provides personalized protocols to support optimal healing and long-term joint health.

  • In many cases, yes. Dr. Pitts specializes in joint preservation and always prioritizes conservative treatment first. Surgery is only considered after other options have been exhausted or if the injury is severe enough to warrant immediate repair.

  • Dr. Pitts and his team will walk you through every step, including:

    • Pre-surgical education

    • Medical clearance (if needed)

    • Home preparation for safe recovery

    • Detailed recovery timeline

    • Custom rehabilitation plan

    You’ll also receive written instructions and direct access to the team for any questions.

  • Dr. Pitts specializes in complex and revision surgeries. If your previous replacement has worn out, loosened, or causes ongoing pain or stiffness, he can help identify the problem and discuss advanced options to improve your outcome.

Benefits of a Partial Knee Replacement

  • Less invasive than a total knee replacement

  • Faster recovery time

  • Preservation of key ligaments like the ACL and PCL

  • Maintains more natural knee function and proprioception (your body’s ability to sense joint movement)

Patients often report that their knee still feels “normal” because the rest of the joint and the ligaments are left intact.

What Is a Total Knee Replacement?

A total knee replacement is a procedure that replaces the damaged cartilage at the ends of the bones in your knee joint with smooth, artificial components made of metal and plastic. Contrary to popular belief, we don’t remove the entire knee—we simply trim small sections of bone and replace the surfaces that are causing pain and inflammation.

What Is the Meniscus?

The meniscus is a C-shaped piece of cartilage in your knee that acts like a:

  • Shock absorber between the femur (thighbone) and tibia (shinbone)

  • Stabilizer that helps the knee move smoothly—especially with twisting motions

Each knee has two menisci: one on the inside (medial) and one on the outside (lateral). Together, they support healthy joint movement and reduce wear on the bones.