Knee replacement is an elective surgical procedure that involves replacement of diseased knee bone and cartilage with artificial implants. There are two major forms of knee replacement surgery: total knee replacement, during which the entire knee joint is replaced, and unicompartmental or partial knee replacement, during which a portion of the knee joint is replaced. Patients interested in this procedure should discuss the causes or indications of knee replacement with a doctor.
Chronic Pain
The most common cause or indication of knee replacement is chronic, debilitating knee pain. Persistent knee pain is typically a consequence of an inflammatory joint disease, such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or juvenile arthritis, the National Institutes of Health explains. Knee cartilage degradation causes the bones in the knee joint to abnormally rub together, leading to sensations of mild to severe pain. Pain is often accompanied by swelling or inflammation, which can make it difficult or uncomfortable for a person to place weight on the affected knee. Knee replacement can help alleviate chronic discomfort and can enable patients to become more physically active.
Loss of Function
Stiffness, pain and inflammation of the knee can make it difficult for a patient to bend or extend the knee normally. This loss of function is another common cause or indication of knee replacement, California-based clinic Palomar Orthopaedic Specialists reports. The inability to move the knee joint can severely limit a patient's ability to move about or participate in his normal work, home or social activities. Replacement of the knee joint during surgery can help restore normal function to the knee, enabling patients to perform physical activities without assistance.
Deformity
Patients who have a knee deformity, such as a knee joint that abnormally bows inward or outward, can benefit from knee replacement surgery, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons reports. The prosthetic knee implant can keep the leg aligned normally, thereby restoring a natural appearance to the knee joint and surrounding tissues.
References
- Palomar Orthopaedic Specialists: Total Knee Arthroplasty - The Indications
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: Total Knee Replacement - Is Total Knee Replacement Right For You?
- Chester Knee Clinic: Total Knee Replacement - Indications
- National Institutes of Health: NIH Consensus Development Conference on Total Knee Replacement
