Knee replacement surgery, also known as knee arthroplasty, reduces pain in the knee in severe knee joint diseases and helps restore its functionality. During a knee replacement, a surgeon cuts out the damaged bone and cartilage from the thigh bone, shin bone and kneecap, and replaces it with an artificial joint made of a metal alloy, high-quality plastic and polymers.
The first artificial knees were little better than technically simple hinges. But today, doctors can choose from a variety of models, taking into account age, weight, activity level and general health. Most knee replacements are aimed at restoring the natural sliding and rolling abilities of your knee joints.
Knee replacement, also called knee arthroplasty or total knee replacement, is a surgical procedure to resurface a knee damaged by arthritis. Metal and plastic parts are used to cap the ends of the bones that form the knee joint, along with the kneecap. This surgery may be considered for someone who has severe arthritis or a severe knee injury.
Various types of arthritis may affect the knee joint. Osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease that affects mostly middle-aged and older adults, may cause the breakdown of joint cartilage and adjacent bone in the knees. Rheumatoid arthritis, which causes inflammation of the synovial membrane and results in excessive synovial fluid, can lead to pain and stiffness. Traumatic arthritis, arthritis due to injury, may cause damage to the cartilage of the knee.
The goal of knee replacement surgery is to resurface the parts of the knee joint that have been damaged and to relieve knee pain that cannot be controlled by other treatments.