Everything You Need to Know About Knee Replacement Surgery

Knee replacement surgery is a procedure that involves replacing the damaged or diseased joint surfaces of the knee with artificial joint materials. This surgery is usually performed to relieve pain and improve the function of the knee joint. Now you may still have questions about this procedure. To help you out, we thought it would be useful to put together a brief article about knee replacement surgery. If this is something that you’re interested in learning more about, read on as we break down everything you need to know about knee replacement surgery.

Who Needs Knee Replacement Surgery?

Before anything else, it’s important to discuss who needs knee replacement surgery. Knee replacement surgery is a common and effective treatment for severe knee pain. It can relieve pain, improve function, and help people stay active. There are several reasons why people may need knee replacement surgery. The most common reason is osteoarthritis, a condition that causes the cartilage in the knee to break down. Other reasons include rheumatoid arthritis, post-traumatic arthritis, and avascular necrosis (a condition that occurs when the blood supply to the knee is cut off). Knee replacement surgery is usually considered when other treatments, such as medication, physical therapy, and weight loss have not helped relieve pain. Surgery is also an option for people who can no longer do the activities they enjoy because of their knee pain.

What Are the Different Designs of Artificial Knees?

Many of you may not know but there are actually different designs for artificial knees. Knee replacement surgery has become increasingly sophisticated and precise, allowing doctors to choose from a variety of knee designs that best suit a patient's height, weight, and activity level. The implants, which are made from metal, ceramic, or plastic, are designed to allow easy movement. Some implants are made specifically for women to closely match their anatomy. A common artificial knee design replaces the PCL (posterior cruciate ligament), located in the back of the knee. Another replaces the ACL (anterior cruciate ligament). Some artificial knees are designed for partial knee replacement, while others are built to keep the PCL and ACL in place.

How Long Do They Last?

Considering that total knee replacement surgery is a big decision that can change your life, you may want to know how long they last. Despite how straightforward this question is, there are many things that can influence how long artificial knees last. For the most part, studies have shown that the new joint can last for at least 20 years, which can improve your pain and mobility.

Conclusion

We hope this article proves to be useful when it comes to helping you gain a better understanding of knee replacement surgery. While knee replacement surgery may seem daunting, the information that we’ve laid out above should help put any of your concerns to rest. For more specific information, don’t hesitate to reach out to a bone specialist. 

For those of you who are in need of knee replacement surgery, it’s important to find the best doctors for the job. If you’re looking for bone specialists, then you’ve come to the right place. Atlanta Bone and Joint’s Board-Certified orthopedic surgeons have performed knee and hip replacement surgeries for over 50 years. For more information, visit our website today!

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