Knee replacement surgery, also known as knee arthroplasty, is typically required when a person experiences severe knee pain and disability due to various conditions. The most common reasons for needing a knee replacement include:
- Osteoarthritis: This is the most common reason for knee replacement. It involves the wearing down of the cartilage in the knee joint, leading to pain, stiffness, and swelling.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: An autoimmune condition that causes inflammation in the joints, leading to pain and eventual joint damage.
- Injuries or Trauma: Severe fractures or injuries to the knee joint that do not heal properly can damage the cartilage, leading to joint pain and dysfunction.
- Post-traumatic Arthritis: This is a type of arthritis that can develop after an injury or surgery, affecting the knee’s functionality.
- Deformities: In some cases, individuals are born with a knee deformity or develop one over time, which can lead to uneven wear on the joint and pain.
- Failure of Conservative Treatments: If non-surgical treatments (like medication, physical therapy, or injections) no longer provide relief and the pain severely affects daily life, a knee replacement may be considered.
Knee replacement is usually considered when the pain and stiffness are severe enough to limit daily activities, and when other treatments are no longer effective in managing the condition. It aims to relieve pain, restore mobility, and improve the quality of life.