A knee replacement surgery is typically a procedure performed for patients with severe joint damage. Whether it is related to an age-related condition like osteoarthritis or the after-effects of an injury, the pain and limited mobility caused by knee joint damage can negatively impact every aspect of life — from your job to relationships to hobbies. Fortunately, it is possible to successfully manage chronic knee pain.
No matter where you are in the treatment process, one of the most important things you can do as a patient is work with a care provider you can trust. Even if you’ve been recently diagnosed, or if you’ve fully exhausted nonsurgical treatments and wondering if knee replacement surgery might be right for you, finding a caring and experienced treatment team can give you confidence as you make these important decisions.
Outpatient Joint Replacement Center of America (OJRCA) and orthopedic surgeon Philip “Flip” Clifford MD, AAHKS, AAOS, are passionate about truly helping people who have been living with pain for any period of time find lasting relief. With Dr. Clifford, patients with serious knee pain can not only find the deep experience that can help them develop an effective treatment plan, but the warm demeanor that leads to personalized care.
For Dr. Philip Clifford, It’s All About Personal Connections
Dr. Clifford has lived and worked across the country, but he has deep roots in Tampa, having gone to both middle and high school in the bay area. He started OJRCA with the goal of building an outpatient center designed to deliver exceptional care to patients needing knee replacement and hip replacement procedures. Dr. Philip Clifford is founder and medical director of OJRCA and has devoted years to developing advanced protocols for outpatient joint replacement.
One of the guiding philosophies for Dr. Clifford and his entire team is an approach to patient care built on basic human connection. In the most basic terms, it comes down to treating patients who come to OJRCA the same way they would treat a family member. This means eye contact, making people feel welcome and calm, taking the time to explain conditions and procedures and ensuring patients are confident with their care decisions.
The decision to undergo knee replacement surgery is a big and important one, and for Dr. Clifford, positive outcomes rely on a balance between expertise, state-of-the-art technology and ensuring patients feel safe and at-ease when receiving any form of knee pain treatment.
How Dr. Philip Clifford Approaches Total and Partial Knee Replacement Procedures
Depending on the exact diagnosis and the extent of damage to the knee joint, orthopedic surgeons can perform total and partial knee replacement surgery, also known as knee arthroplasty. Total knee replacement involves resurfacing the entire joint and replacing it with metal implants and a durable plastic insert to act as a spacer and allow for smooth motion.
A partial knee replacement becomes a surgical option if it is necessary to replace only the damaged portion of the knee and maintain any soft tissue that is not affected by joint degeneration or damage. Following this removal, the surgeon will prepare the surfaces of the knee to place the more limited prosthesis.
For both types of knee replacement procedure, Dr. Clifford has developed protocols that are specifically designed to allow as many patients as possible enjoy the benefits of a minimally invasive outpatient procedure. Even patients who require overnight hospitalization due to a health condition can still benefit from the specialized methods used by OJRCA. This means limited tissue disruption and less pain after the procedure so patients can start into their all-important recovery process.
Our State-of-the-Art Tampa Facility
OJRCA is strategically based in one of the Southeast’s premier medical destinations: Tampa, Florida. For decades now, people have traveled from around the country to receive the world-class care that Tampa has become known for. For residents and visitors alike, Tampa offers beautiful weather year-round, gorgeous sights and leading orthopedic expertise.
The exceptional patient-centered care and positive outcomes delivered by Dr. Clifford has attracted people from a wide range of locations. There are multiple accommodations that surround our conveniently and centrally located facility. Our caring and dedicated team is happy to help out-of-town patients learn more.
Our clinic and surgery centers are designed to provide the highest level of patient-centered care. At OJRCA, patients can expect comfortable waiting areas and a brightly lit and inviting atmosphere that is intended to make everyone feel at ease as they start their treatment journey. This reinforces the compassionate and friendly attitude that you can expect from every member of our team, from being greeted at the front desk to your last post-surgical checkup.
Are You a Potential Candidate for Knee Replacement Surgery?
Patients who come to OJRCA will receive a thorough evaluation to determine if knee replacement surgery is the best course of treatment. Dr. Clifford and other orthopedic surgeons generally recommend total or partial knee replacement for the following types of patients:
- Those diagnosed with osteoarthritis of the knee and who have exhausted conservative treatment options such as physical therapy, over-the-counter medication or steroid injections
- People dealing with serious swelling, stiffness or pain in the knee that worsens with physical activity
- Partial knee replacements can be suitable for patients diagnosed with a stable anterior cruciate ligament, sufficient range of motion, and damage to only one compartment of the knee
Start Your Knee Pain Relief Journey with Dr. Clifford and OJRCA Today
If you have been suffering from chronic and debilitating knee pain and exhausted conservative treatments like physical therapy or injections, knee replacement procedures may be right for you. At OJRCA, our mission is to deliver the best possible medical outcomes and return patients to healthy and active lifestyles.
Find out more about why patients in Tampa recommend Dr. Philip Cliford to their friends and family for treatment at our centers. Contact us today to speak with one of our team members about knee replacement or to schedule an appointment.
Call toll-free (813) 492-4607.
