Knee Surgery: Knowing What is Next

Why have knee replacement surgery?

During a knee replacement surgery, your surgeon removes worn-down bone and cartilage and replaces it with an artificial knee joint that replicates your knee’s natural rolling and gliding motion. This artificial joint (made of metal alloys, high-grade plastics and polymers) restores function to a severely damaged knee. Today, knee replacement is one of the safest and most successful types of major surgery.
 

Who might be a candidate for knee replacement?

 The most common condition that results in the need for knee replacement surgery are:
• Osteoarthritis- Characterized by the breakdown of joint cartilage and adjacent bone in the knees.
• Other forms of arthritis- Rheumatoid arthritis and arthritis that results from a knee injury can also lead to degeneration of the knee joint.
• Injury or Trauma to the Knee- Fractures, torn cartilage, and/or torn ligaments also can lead to irreversible damage to the knee joint over the years. 

The decision to replace the painful joint with an artificial one is a decision made by the patient and doctor. Our Joint Replacement Center Specialists recommend reviewing our  10 Steps Before Considering Surgery.