Knee replacement surgery, also known as knee arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to restore function and eliminate pain in damaged knees. In this procedure, deteriorated knee cartilage and damaged bone is removed from the femur, tibia, and kneecap and is replaced with an artificial joint. With modern devices, patients can regain much of their former mobility and comfort and experience a full recovery after a knee replacement.

 

Your doctor may deem knee replacement surgery right for you if you suffer from osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, and you fit the profile of a knee replacement candidate. A knee replacement may be appropriate for you if you have disabling pain that causes mobility problems, such as when walking, climbing stairs, getting in and out of chairs, or an inability to exercise. If you have exhausted any of the knee replacement alternatives and still suffer from your damaged knee, your doctor may elect to perform the surgery.

 

Knee replacement surgery is typically performed on adults aged 55 or older, although it is considered for patients of all ages. People with knees worn-down by strenuous activity or exercise may need a knee replacement earlier in life. Generally, surgeons require that a person be in good health prior to undergoing knee surgery, as complications can affect those with high blood pressure, diabetes, or other conditions.