My doctor says I should consider joint replacement for my arthritic knee. What is knee replacement surgery?
Knee replacement surgery involves removing the damaged cartilage and bone surfaces of the knee and replacing them with metal and plastic. Candidates for knee replacement have failed conservative management such as weight loss, anti-inflammatories, and injections. Knee replacements last 15-20 years dependent on the patients weight and activity level. Though most patients are 60-80 years old, there is no age limit. Partial knee replacement is an option for a select number of patients with arthritis in only one portion of the knee.