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 How
the Knee Works
The knee joint is made up of the lower end of the thigh bone (femur), which
moves or rotates on the upper end of the shin bone (tibia), and the knee cap
(patella), which slides in a groove on the end of the femur. The thigh muscle
provides strength to the knee joint. There are strong ligaments that attach the
tibia to the femur to provide stability.
The ends of the bones that make up the knee are covered with cartilage. The
cartilage cushions the bones and allows them to move smoothly as the knee joint
bends and straightens. There is a membrane that lines the joint, which contains
fluid that lubricates and eliminates friction in the healthy knee.
The Damaged Knee
When one or more parts of the knee become damaged, the mobility of the joint
is impaired. Over time, cartilage can wear away and the knee will become stiff.
As the cartilage continues to wear, the bones of the joint rub together and pain
and stiffness begin to increase. Causes of joint damage include osteoarthritis
(degenerative) arthritis, inflammatory arthritis such as Rheumatoid Arthritis,
or injury from a bad fall or blow to the knee.
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Is Knee Replacement Surgery For You?
The decision to have knee replacement surgery is best made
between you, your family, your primary care doctor and your orthopedic surgeon.
Typically your primary care doctor will refer you to an orthopedic surgeon for
an evaluation of your knee problem. Your evaluation will likely include a review
of your medical history, a physical exam of your knee and X-rays.
Recommendations for knee replacement surgery are based on your overall health,
the extent of your pain and disability, and your age.
Knee replacement surgery
may benefit you if:
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Your knee pain and/or stiffness limits your daily activities
such as walking, climbing stairs or getting out of bed or a chair.
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You experience minimal or no pain relief from
anti-inflammatory drugs such as Ibuprofen or if you are experiencing side
effects from these medications.
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Other treatments such as injections into the joint, physical
therapy or assistive devices such as a
walker, don’t relieve the pain in your knee.
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