What Are the Causes of Knee Replacement?

Knee replacement surgery is an extensive and risky procedure that is commonly avoided as much as possible. However, there are certain conditions that cause knee replacement surgery to be necessary, in order to relieve pain and immobility.

• Doctors Performing Knee Surgery

Identification

• Knee replacement involves a surgical procedure to replace parts of the knee joint with artificial parts. A knee replacement may be needed to relieve the symptoms of stiffness, pain or immobility of the knee.

Osteoarthritis

• Osteoarthritis is the most common reason for knee replacement surgery. This condition results from the normal wear and tear on a knee, although it may worsen with an injury or injection of the knee joint. Over time, the cartilage inside the joint wears away and the knee bones rub against each other, causing immense pain and inflammation.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

• Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammation of the tissue surrounding the knee joint. When this tissue becomes inflamed, it causes the cartilage to deteriorate, which results in pain, swelling and unusual stiffness in the knee. The condition often results in the need for knee replacement surgery.

Post-traumatic Arthritis

• Post-traumatic arthritis is a type of arthritis that commonly develops after an injury to the cartilage or ligaments of the knee. As with any arthritis, this condition leads to deterioration of the knee joint, incessant pain and loss of function.

Considerations

• Knee replacement surgery is considered a last resort in many cases, as it involves various risks. However, knee replacement is commonly suggested for people who have constant pain in the knee joint that is severe enough to affect their daily life. Anyone experiencing significant stiffness, instability or deformity of the knee joint is also considered a candidate for knee replacement surgery.