Revolutionizing Mobility: Knee Replacement in Phoenix—What to Expect and How to Prepare

If chronic knee pain is keeping you from the activities you love, a knee replacement in Phoenix may offer the relief and renewed mobility you need. At Arizona Specialty Hospital, our experienced orthopedic team uses modern techniques—including Mako® Robotic-Arm Assisted total knee replacement—to deliver precise, patient-centered care. Understanding what to expect before, during, and after surgery can help you feel confident and prepared for your journey toward a stronger, healthier knee.

Causes of Knee Pain

Knee pain arises when joint surfaces lose their smooth function or when supportive structures are compromised. Common culprits include degenerative arthritis—both osteoarthritis and inflammatory rheumatoid arthritis—post-traumatic arthritis that develops years after an injury, and avascular necrosis, where diminished blood flow causes bone collapse. Recognizing the underlying cause is the first step in determining whether a total knee replacement is the right solution.

What Is Total Knee Replacement?

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA), often called total knee replacement, involves removing damaged portions of the femur, tibia, and, if needed, the kneecap, and replacing them with metal and plastic prosthetic components. Rather than replacing the entire joint, the surgeon reshapes worn bone on the thigh and shin and positions implants to restore smooth movement and stability. Many patients experience dramatic reductions in pain and significant gains in mobility after TKA.

Is Total Knee Replacement Right for You?

Deciding on knee replacement is collaborating with you, your support network, and your physician. Typically, TKA is recommended when persistent knee pain limits daily activities—such as climbing stairs—continues despite rest or interferes with sleep. If anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, weight management, and lifestyle modifications have failed to provide lasting relief, surgical intervention may be the next step.

How to Prepare for Your Knee Replacement

Successful outcomes begin well before the operating room. Your preparation may include:

• Medical Evaluation: A comprehensive preoperative assessment ensures you're healthy enough for surgery. This includes blood work, cardiac clearance if needed, and a review of any ongoing medications.
• Imaging and Planning: You'll undergo X-rays or a CT scan to help the surgical team map your unique knee anatomy. These images guide implant sizing and alignment.
• Home Readiness: Arrange your living space for safety and ease—consider installing a shower seat, removing loose rugs, and stocking essential items within reach.
• Physical Conditioning: Strengthening exercises for your hips, core, and non-operative leg can speed recovery. Your care team may recommend prehab exercises to improve endurance and range of motion.

Collaborating with your surgeon, anesthesia team, and physical therapist during this phase helps tailor your plan to your health status and lifestyle goals.

What to Expect on Surgery Day

On the day of your knee replacement in Phoenix, you'll arrive at Arizona Specialty Hospital and be welcomed by our orthopedic nursing staff. After spinal or general anesthesia, you'll meet your surgeon in the operating suite. With Mako® Robotic-Arm Assistance available, we can perform a highly accurate bone preparation based on your 3D surgical plan while you remain under the careful watch of our anesthesia team. The procedure typically takes one to two hours, after which you'll be transferred to recovery and your private room for monitoring.

Recovery and Rehabilitation

Most patients begin gentle movement and walking—often with assistance—within 12 to 24 hours of surgery. Early mobilization helps prevent blood clots and supports faster healing. Over the coming weeks, your rehabilitation program will evolve from basic range-of-motion exercises to progressive strength and balance training. While individual timelines vary, many people can return to low-impact activities such as swimming or cycling by three months and more vigorous pursuits by six months, with ongoing guidance from your physical therapy team.

The Role of Robotic Assistance

Arizona Specialty Hospital offers both conventional and robotic-assisted total knee replacement. With the Mako system, surgeons create a patient-specific plan that defines precise bone cuts and implant positioning. The robotic arm enforces these planned boundaries during surgery, helping protect healthy tissue and improving implant alignment consistency. Research suggests that robotic guidance can reduce variability in component placement—a key factor in long-term joint performance—and may enhance early functional recovery.

Additional Orthopedic Services

Beyond total knee replacement, our hospital provides a full spectrum of knee care, including robotic partial (unicompartmental) knee arthroplasty, total knee revision, arthroscopic procedures, ACL reconstruction, and meniscectomy. Whether you need minor scope-based repair or comprehensive joint replacement, our multidisciplinary team collaborates to deliver personalized solutions that align with your goals.

Choosing Arizona Specialty Hospital

Deciding where to have your knee replacement in Phoenix is an important choice. Arizona Specialty Hospital is accredited by The Joint Commission, fully licensed by the State of Arizona, and Medicare-certified. Our physician-owners and investors are committed to quality, transparency, and patient satisfaction. From your first consultation through long-term follow-up, we strive to keep you informed, comfortable, and confident in your care plan.

Taking the Next Step

If you’re ready to learn more about knee replacement in Phoenix, schedule a consultation at Arizona Specialty Hospital. Our team will review your imaging, discuss nonsurgical options, and outline whether total knee arthroplasty—with or without robotic assistance—is the best path to restore your mobility. Don’t let knee pain dictate your life. Contact us today and take the first step toward walking, climbing stairs, and returning to the activities you love without hesitation.

Sources:

• Arizona Specialty Hospital. “Total Knee Replacement.” Arizona Specialty Hospital. Accessed June 2025. https://arizonaspecialtyhospital.com/Total-Knee-Replacement
• Stryker. “Mako® SmartRobotics Overview.” Stryker. Accessed June 2025. https://www.stryker.com/us/en/joint-replacement/systems/Mako_SmartRobotics_Overview.html
• MAKOplasty and MAKO Robotic-Arm Interactive Orthopedic System – Wikipedia. Wikipedia. Accessed June 2025. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MAKOplasty_and_MAKO_Robotic-Arm_Interactive_Orthopedic_System