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KNEE REPLACEMENT
Knee replacement, or knee arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure to replace the weight-bearing surfaces of the knee joint to relieve the pain and disability of osteoarthritis. It may be performed for other knee diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis. In patients with severe deformity from advanced rheumatoid arthritis, trauma, or long standing osteoarthritis, the knee 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.
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. |
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Illustration of the cartilage, ligaments and tendons in a healthy knee. |
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Illustration of the worn articular cartilage, a torn meniscus and bone spurs in a knee with arthritis. |
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Illustration of a prosthetic knee after a total knee replacement. |
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