Knee replacement, also known as knee arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure in which a damaged or diseased knee joint is replaced with an artificial joint, known as a prosthesis. This procedure is commonly recommended for individuals who experience severe knee pain and disability due to conditions like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or traumatic injury.
Types of Knee Replacement
- Total Knee Replacement (TKR): The entire knee joint, including the femur (thigh bone), tibia (shin bone), and patella (kneecap), is replaced with a prosthesis.
- Partial Knee Replacement (PKR): Only the damaged compartment of the knee (medial, lateral, or patellofemoral) is replaced, preserving healthy bone and tissue.
- Revision Knee Replacement: A procedure performed when a previous knee replacement has failed, requiring the removal and replacement of the old prosthesis.