May 11, 2008

Knee

When is a Total Knee Replacement necessary?

The knee joint takes on a fair amount of stress in everyday life. Going up and down stairs, walking, jogging, running and jumping are activities that further stress to the knee. Many of these are activities that we must face daily. Over time with activity and age factors, the knee can wear down. From a structural standpoint your knee will not completely breakdown. Small amounts of wear and tear will become noticeable. Beginning with mild arthritis where the cartilage that covers the bone begins to fray. As pressures continue on the tissue more cartilage frays and further injury to the bone may take place. When the bone becomes more involved the pain usually increases. It is when the pain becomes function limiting and also less bearable during daily activities that a surgery may be necessary. The surgery type will be decided by you and your physician. It may be that you could get away with an arthroscopic procedure or may need a knee replacement surgery.

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