ORTHOPEDICS Get moving For more information about treatment options for knee pain, call the CMH Orthopedic & Spine Center at 417-777-2663. The center’s walk-in clinic is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. citizensmemorial.com 11 Dr. Gray says it is important to try conservative treatment options first. “But when it gets to the point where their pain is significant and affecting their daily activities, it usually is time to discuss a total knee replacement surgery,” he says. MAKO ROBOTIC SURGERY Knee replacement surgery requires a precise implant that matches the patient’s anatomy. Mako SmartRobotics™ uses a 3D CT scan of the knee to create a 3D model the surgeon uses while planning and performing the operation. During the surgery, Dr. Gray guides Mako’s robotic arm to position the implant perfectly in the knee joint. “We can tension the ligaments and fine-tune the implant to get it in the perfect position,” Dr. Gray says. With a recovery time of four to six weeks, including physical therapy, Dr. Gray says the PAIN surgery eliminates knee pain and restores the full range of motion. RECOVERY Hougham was up and walking the day of her surgery and was released from the hospital the next day. She worked hard during physical therapy sessions and faithfully completed home exercises to help with a full recovery. “I’ve had soreness but no pain,” she says. “Even when they got me up the first time and put weight on it, I had no pain. I’ve had great care and look forward to physical therapy. They’re so pleasant and so much fun.” Hougham’s exercises are just what the doctor ordered. “I know it hurts, and I understand that it hurts, but the more you can stay active and keep those joints moving, the better you will feel,” Dr. Gray reassures her.
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