Do I Need Total Knee Replacement Surgery?
Ideally, human knees would be able to withstand a lifetime of motion and stress. However arthritis and other physical injuries can interfere with the knee's ability to move normally and cushion itself from stress. The cartilage on the ends of the bones of the knee can lose flexibility and become worn and eroded. As this occurs and progresses, bone can grind against bone. These processes can combine to increase pain and limit your natural mobility. When this problem no longer responds to medication, injections or therapy, it may be time for a knee replacement.
- What is arthritis?
Arthritis is the number one cause of chronic disability in the United States. This disease affects nearly 40 million Americans, in fact refers to more than 100 diseases that cause pain, stiffness and swelling from the inflammation of a joint or the area around joints. The most common form of arthritis is called osteoarthritis which is typical wear and tear arthritis. This is the wearing away of the cartilage on the ends of the bone at the joint, usually from natural aging or injury. This often brings pain and decreased mobility – the ability to walk, climb stairs – the basic activities of a mobile, active lifestyle. Among other things, arthritic changes in a knee often distort the joint’s natural alignment.
- When is total knee replacement surgery indicated?
Total knee replacement surgery is an option for patients who suffer from severe knee arthritis and have exhausted other treatment options. When pain and decreased mobility significantly affect your quality of life, it may be time to consider a knee replacement. You should make an appointment to discuss surgery and other treatment options with an orthopaedic surgeon.
The total knee replacement procedure is major surgery. When it is performed, thin portions of bone and cartilage on the end of the thigh bone (femur) and top of the shin bone (tibia) are cut and removed. This damaged tissue and bone is replaced with artificial knee replacement implants made of metal and plastic. When the new implants are placed, the smooth metal and plastic, takes the place of the rough cartilage and bone, you no longer walk on those damaged surfaces, and your pain is relieved.
The more we can accurately restore your normal knee anatomy, the more the new implant acts like a “resurfacing” and not a “replacement.” Custom Fit Total Knee Replacement technology achieves this natural alignment much better than conventional knee replacement has ever been able to accomplish and thus the early results have been much improved.
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