Total knee replacement is medically known as arthroplasty. It is a surgical method involving the removal of thigh bone surface and shin bone surface connecting the knee and replacing it further with artificial joints made of metal and plastic or ‘prosthesis’. This procedure helps in relieving severe knee pain and restoring knee joint function.

The need for total knee replacement is more in women than compared to men. In general, elderly people aged 50-80 years require this surgery. However, teenagers suffering from juvenile arthritis may also need knee replacement surgery. There is no age or weight-related restriction for this surgery.

Who Needs Knee Replacement:

Patients with difficulty in carrying their daily activities like walking, getting in and out of a chair, climbing stair, chronic knee pain or stiffness.

Deformity in knee joints.

Severe knee inflammation even after taking medications such as anti-inflammatory drugs, cortisone injections and other surgeries or therapies.

Kinds of Knee Replacement:

Total knee replacement

Partial knee replacement

Kneecap replacement

Complex knee replacement

 Knee Replacement Procedure

 A knee replacement is also known as the knee "resurfacing" as only the surface of the bone gets replaced.

The affected cartilage at the end of the femur and tibia are removed along with a minimal amount of bone. The bone is then replaced with metal parts that work as the surface of the joint. It may be cemented, or press fit into the bone. The kneecap is cut and remerged with a plastic button. Medicine coated spacer is inserted between the metal parts to create a smooth gliding surface.

 Among these, total knee replacement is the most-commonly employed surgery and has a higher success rate than others. Post total knee replacement surgery, it takes a month or more for recovery. The recovery period needs physiotherapy as well as mild medications.

Hop on to www.netmeds.com for all your knee care essentials, a big save on your money.