Knee replacement

Knee replacement
Knee replacement
Other names	Knee arthroplasty
ICD-10-PCS	0SRD0JZ
ICD-9-CM	81.54
MeSH	D019645
MedlinePlus	002974
eMedicine	1250275
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Knee replacement, also known as knee arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure to replace the weight-bearing surfaces of the knee joint to relieve pain and disability, most commonly offered when joint pain is not diminished by conservative sources.^[1][2] It may also be performed for other knee diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis. In patients with severe deformity from advanced rheumatoid arthritis, trauma, or long-standing osteoarthritis, the surgery may be more complicated and carry higher risk. Osteoporosis does not typically cause knee pain, deformity, or inflammation, and is not a reason to perform knee replacement.

Knee replacement surgery can be performed as a partial or a total knee replacement.^[3] In general, the surgery consists of replacing the diseased or damaged joint surfaces of the knee with metal and plastic components shaped to allow continued motion of the knee.

The operation typically involves substantial postoperative pain and includes vigorous physical rehabilitation. The recovery period may be 12 weeks or longer and may involve the use of mobility aids (e.g. walking frames, canes, crutches) to enable the patient's return to preoperative mobility.^[4] It is estimated that approximately 82% of total knee replacements will last 25 years.^[5]