Knee Replacement Surgery Specialist

James P. Crutcher Jr. , MD

Orthopedic Surgeon & Hip and Knee Replacement Surgeon located in Seattle, WA

James P. Crutcher Jr., MD, is a highly skilled surgeon offering knee replacement surgery to patients at his practice in Seattle, Washington. Dr. Crutcher has three decades of experience as an orthopedic surgeon, and performs hundreds of successful joint replacement surgeries each year. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Crutcher, call or use the online booking tool today.

Knee Replacement Surgery Q & A

What is knee replacement surgery?

Dr. Crutcher specializes in many different knee replacement surgeries, including full knee replacement. A full knee replacement is complex but has the potential to greatly improve your quality of life.

During the procedure, Dr. Crutcher uses robotic technology to assist him as he replaces your damaged knee with an artificial knee and realigns the knee joint to restore its regular function. Artificial knees can be made of different materials like metal and plastic.

Knee replacement surgery is proven to be highly safe and effective.

When is knee replacement surgery needed?

Your knee can deteriorate over time due to injury or a medical disorder. Knee joint disorders include:

  • Osteoarthritis
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Chronic pain
  • Sports injuries
  • Congenital deformities
  • Infections
  • Fractures

Dr. Crutcher will usually only recommend knee replacement surgery once less-invasive treatments prove ineffective.

What are the benefits and risks of knee replacement surgery?

Knee replacement surgery provides several benefits, including:

  • Increased knee mobility
  • Decreased knee pain
  • Improved quality of life

Although knee replacement surgery offers a number of benefits, it’s also important to understand its risks, including:

  • Knee joint infection
  • Knee bone infection
  • Adverse reaction to anesthesia
  • Stroke or heart attack
  • Injury to nearby muscles and nerves
  • Blood clots
  • Dislocation of joint
  • Loose joint

Dr. Crutcher ensures that every patient is fully informed of all the risks and benefits of a knee replacement before the patient decides to have the surgery.

How long does it take to recover from knee replacement surgery?

Dr. Crutcher provides you with a personalized recovery plan. Patients can usually return to their normal activities within 3-6 weeks. However, it can take up to a year to see the full benefits of the surgery. Knee replacements are complex and require significant time for a full recovery.

It’s important to understand that the goal of knee replacement surgery is to enable you to live comfortably and relieve pain, not necessarily to return to high-impact activities.

To schedule a consultation with Dr. Crutcher, call or use the online booking tool today.