Healthy Knee Healthy Knee Introduction Common Causes of Knee Pain Knee Replacement Surgery Risks of Knee Replacement Surgery Benefits of Knee Replacement Surgery Surgical Alternatives to Total Knee Replacement Computer Assisted Knee Surgery The Right Knee Replacement for You: How Does Your Surgeon Select It?

Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure used to view, diagnose and treat problems inside the knee joint. The orthopedic surgeon makes a small incision in the patient’s skin and then inserts the arthroscope, a miniature lens and lighting system, which magnifies and illuminates the structures inside the joint. An intense, cool light is transmitted through fiber optic cables to the end of the arthroscope that is inserted into the joint. By using a miniature video camera attached to the arthroscope, the surgeon is able to see the interior of the knee joint on a television screen. The surgeon can then wash out loose debris and trim frayed or torn cartilage in the knee. The patient can return home the same day.

This procedure is usually performed in patients with:

Mild to moderate arthritis.

Small amounts of deformity.

Mechanical symptoms indicating torn or loose cartilage.

Some of the most frequent conditions found during arthroscopic examination of the knee joint are:

Damaged joint surface (articular cartilage).

Inflammation of the joint lining.

Large plica bands.

Loose fragments of cartilage or bone.

Maltracking and tilted kneecap.

Torn cruciate ligaments.

Torn or degenerated meniscus or menisci.

The implant (prosthesis) design may vary according to your needs, but commonly consists of three components: 

The tibia component consists of a high-density polyethylene and maybe supported by a metal tray.   The femoral component is made of highly polished metal (cobalt chrome).   The patella is made up of a high-density polyethylene, which offers tremendous durability and strength.

The indication for knee replacement surgery is disabling pain from a moderately severe or severe arthritis which limits the patient’s ability to perform daily living activities such as getting in and out of a car, climbing stairs, and getting on and off the commode. The ideal candidate for knee replacement is a patient with bi- or tri- compartmental arthritis, who is over 65, not overly active, with normal mental capacity, and who is not overweight. The converse of this represents the “high risk patient” for knee replacement, i.e. those who are under 65, overweight, very active, or who had a previous knee that has failed.

The patient who undergoes knee replacement surgery has a 95% chance of having good or excellent results. This means improved range of motion, and complete or near complete relief of pain. Knee replacements are not normal knees, however, and a percentage of patients occasionally experience minor pain with activity, stiffness, and or swelling.

Always ask your orthopedic surgeon if you are an ideal candidate for total knee replacement surgery and what risks are involved.