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Knee Replacement

Knee replacement surgery is one of the most common types of joint replacement surgeries in world today, with more than 300,000 operations performed per year in the USA alone.

Knee replacement surgery (also known as knee joint arthroplasty) is usually undertaken when knee problems associated with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis have resulted in the wearing down of the knee joint.

In a total knee replacement operation, a doctor cuts away damaged bone and cartilage from the thighbone, shinbone and kneecap, and replaces it with an artificial joint (knee prosthesis) made of metal alloys, plastics or polymers.

Diagnosing Knee Problems

Arthroscopy is a procedure used by orthopaedic surgeons to diagnose and treat knee problems.

The surgeon makes an incision, and then inserts a small instrument called an arthroscope, which gives a clear view of the inside of the knee.

The arthroscope uses fiber optics to send pictures of the inside of the knee to a television monitor. The surgeon can then determine if a knee replacement is necessary.

Risks

However, excessive activity can cause the knee replacement to wear down or loosen and require replacement.

Success rates

Around 95% of knee implants are still functioning well 10 to 15 years after surgery, and with moderate activity levels, most knee implants can be expected to last around for around 15 years.