Total knee arthroplasty, also called total knee replacement, is a common orthopedic surgery that replaces the damaged knee with a prosthetic knee. This procedure will often result in the elimination of pain, increased mobility, and will allow you to return to your daily life and resume activities often put off due to knee pain.

Causes of knee pain include:

• Arthritis – Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Post-traumatic arthritis – arthritis that occurs as the result of an injury to the joint and can occur many years later
• Avascular necrosis – disintegration or collapse of part of the knee joint caused by decreased blood supply over time, usually as the result of the previous injury to the hip

What is total knee arthroplasty?
When a total knee replacement is performed, the whole knee isn’t actually replaced. What is replaced is the bone that comes in contact with other bone in the joint – increased friction or decreased function of the bones that come in contact with one another in order for the leg to bend is what causes pain – by cutting and reshaping the bone around the outside of the femur and tibia (the two leg bones that join at the knee), and if necessary, the knee cap. The bone that’s been removed is replaced by metal and plastic prosthetics that take the place of the bone and provide smooth movement and improved function.

Is total knee arthroplasty right for you?
Making the choice to pursue a total knee replacement is a big decision made by you, your family, and your physician. Your physician may decide a total knee replacement is the right course of treatment for you after other non-surgical treatment options have failed and believed your pain, disability, and quality of life qualify you.

Total knee replacement is recommended when:

• Knee pain limits the ability to do daily activities, such as climbing stairs
• Knee pain persists even when resting and at night
• Severe stiffness and limited mobility affect daily activities
• Anti-inflammatory drugs, exercise, changes in lifestyle or weight loss, or physical therapy do not work to relieve pain