Total Knee Replacement

Overview

Total knee replacement surgery — also known as knee arthroplasty (ARTH-row-plas-tee) — can help relieve pain and restore function in severely diseased knee joints. The procedure involves cutting away damaged bone and cartilage from your thighbone, shinbone and kneecap and replacing it with an artificial joint (prosthesis) made of metal alloys, high-grade plastics and polymers.

In determining whether a knee replacement is right for you, an orthopedic surgeon assesses your knee’s range of motion, stability and strength. X-rays help determine the extent of damage.

Your doctor can choose from a variety of knee replacement prostheses and surgical techniques, considering your age, weight, activity level, knee size and shape and overall health.

Why it’s Done

The most common reason for knee replacement surgery is to relieve severe pain caused by osteoarthritis. People who need knee replacement surgery usually have problems walking, climbing stairs and getting in and out of chairs. Some also have knee pain at rest.

Consult with an orthopedic surgeon to determine if knee replacement is the right treatment for you. If you want to learn more about the process of knee replacement, you are welcome to come to one of our community lectures or register for our pre-operative joint replacement class.