More than 500 000 persons in the United States have knee replacements each year. The most common reason for knee replacement is osteoarthritis . Osteoarthritis is destruction of the cartilage (supporting tissue between layers of a joint) and can occur at any joint in the body, but the knees are often the first site. Osteoarthritis causes pain, stiffness, limitation of motion, and swelling in the area of the joint that has arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis, destruction of joint cartilage by an immune process, affects joints differently. Persons with rheumatoid arthritis often have deformities in the joints, along with pain, swelling, stiffness, and problems in other areas of their bodies. Referral to an orthopedic surgeon and evaluation for knee replacement may be offered when other treatments for osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis fail. Orthopedic surgeons are doctors with specialized education in the diagnosis and treatment of bone and joint disorders.
Diagnostic x-rays of persons with osteoarthritis demonstrate collapse of the knee joint, indicating destruction of the cartilage and meniscus (fibrous tissue). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be used for evaluation of knee pain, in addition to x-rays. Knee arthroscopy , a surgical procedure, examines the inner surfaces of the knee joint. Knee arthroscopy allows for evaluation and treatment of the ligaments, tendons, and cartilage involved in the knee joint, as well as debridement (removing damaged tissues) within the joint. Patients have a medical evaluation by their primary doctor (or specialists, if needed for their specific medical conditions) before knee replacement, since joint replacements are major surgery. This may include cardiac (heart) testing, evaluation of lung function, or improving control of high blood pressure and diabetes in order to reduce the chance of complications.
Total knee replacement uses metal or plastic parts, or a combination (the prosthesis ), to replace both surfaces of the knee joint and the kneecap (patella).
Partial (unicompartmental) knee replacement involves only one side of the knee joint.
Computer-assisted knee replacement relies on specialized digital technology to guide the procedure.
Minimally invasive knee replacement uses smaller skin incisions.
Grahic Jump Location
Infection after knee replacement can be serious. Antibiotics are given before the surgical procedure starts to protect against infection. In severe cases of infection, a person may need to be hospitalized to receive intravenous antibiotics or supportive care. Sometimes the prosthesis has to be removed and specialized antibiotic treatment given before a replacement (a revision) is considered.
Poor pain relief may occur, despite good surgical results.
Blood clots are a serious complication of joint replacement. Your surgeon will prescribe a blood thinner after the operation (and in some cases, before surgery) to reduce this risk. The use of pneumatic compression stockings and early ambulation (movement) also helps lessen the chance of blood clots.
Prosthesis malfunction may require another procedure to fix or replace the parts.
Arthritis Foundationhttp://www.arthritis.org
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeonshttp://www.aaos.org
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseaseshttp://www.niams.nih.gov
To find this and previous JAMA Patient Pages, go to the Patient Page Index on JAMA's Web site at http://www.jama.com. Many are available in English and Spanish. A Patient Page on knee pain was published in the April 18, 2007, issue, and one on osteoarthritis of the knee was published in the February 26, 2003, issue.
Sources: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons; Arthritis Foundation, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, World Health Organization
The JAMA Patient Page is a public service of JAMA. The information and recommendations appearing on this page are appropriate in most instances, but they are not a substitute for medical diagnosis. For specific information concerning your personal medical condition, JAMA suggests that you consult your physician. This page may be photocopied noncommercially by physicians and other health care professionals to share with patients. To purchase bulk reprints, call 312/464-0776.
TOPIC: MUSCULOSKELETAL HEALTH
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