What is total knee replacement surgery?
An artificial joint, made out of alloy and polyethylene (plastic), replaces the damaged knee. Total knee replacement surgery may be necessary when knee conditions cause the cartilage to deteriorate to the point where there are no other options to relieve pain. Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and knee joint injury typically create pain that may lead to a total knee replacement. The procedure is very common, with more than 300,000 total knee replacement surgeries being performed every year in the United States. “Patients see their activity level increase quite a bit after a total knee replacement surgery,” says Dana Harms, MD, board certified orthopedic surgeon. “The surgery really maximizes knee function by decreasing pain.” Generally, a total knee replacement surgery takes about 90 minutes. Patients begin physical therapy the next day and spend about three or four days in the hospital.
