Knee Replacement Surgery (inpatient)

Knee replacement is a surgical procedure intended to relieve knee pain and restore range of motion. In the knee joint, three bones come together: the femur (thigh bone), the tibia (shin bone), and the patella (kneecap). The places where these three bones touch are cushioned and protected by cartilage and the meniscus (which acts as a shock absorber), but damage or disease can cause the cushion to wear away and lead to the bones grinding against each other. 

In knee replacement surgery, also called arthroplasty, the damaged surfaces are removed from the ends of the tibia and femur, as well as some of the underlying bone. A metal implant replaces the removed surfaces to recreate the joint. The surgeon may reshape the kneecap to fit the replacement joint as needed. Finally, a spacer is placed between the two replaced surfaces to help ensure the joint can glide easily.

Non-surgical therapies to treat knee pain, like physical therapy, cortisone injections, or anti-inflammatory medications, are typically tried before considering knee replacement surgery. If these fail to relieve knee pain, or if the pain interferes with your daily routine, your doctor may recommend knee replacement. 

Three types of arthritis are the most common causes of knee pain leading to knee replacement surgery: osteoarthritis, or "wear and tear;" rheumatoid arthritis, which causes inflammation that can damage the knee; or post-traumatic arthritis following a knee injury. Knee replacement can treat other conditions as well, including avascular necrosis, knee joint misalignment, or knee deformity.