Osteoarthritis can be unbearable. When the knee joint is severely affected by arthritis, one potential treatment option is to replace the damaged joint with a new, artificial one. This would eliminate the pain due to arthritis as well as restore function to the joint. KNEE ARTHRITIS
The ends of the femur (the thigh bone), tibia (the shin bone) and the patella (the knee cap) make up the knee joint. Osteoarthritis of the knee is a degenerative condition in which the surfaces of the joint, where the bones make contact with each other, are damaged, along with wear and tear of the cushioning cartilage.
JOINT REPLACEMENT
A knee joint replacement involves replacing the damaged joint surfaces with artificial components. These components are specially-shaped metal plates which replace the degraded cartilage covering the ends of the bone, along with a medical-grade plastic disc that replaces the thick pad of cartilage cushioning the joint. In some cases, the knee cap may also be relined with artificial components.
GOOD CANDIDATES FOR KNEE JOINT REPLACEMENT
If your knee arthritis is severe but you are otherwise in good health, knee replacement may be recommended. However, you should always consult with the best orthopedic surgeons, such as Dr. Farber in Phoenix, for an accurate diagnosis and all possible treatment options, before saying yes to surgery.
Good candidates for a knee replacement –
• Have severe or advanced arthritis
• Have poor quality of life due to symptoms of knee arthritis
• Have not experienced relief with conservative treatments such as anti-inflammatory medications and physical therapy
• Willing to actively participate in a rehabilitation program after knee joint replacement
A joint replacement may be less suitable for you if you have diabetes, you are an active smoker, morbidly obese or have experienced infections in the affected arthritic joint in the past.
The outcomes of a knee replacement surgery depend on the overall health of the joint. The joint may not benefit a lot from joint replacement if the joint has gone through several infections or several surgeries, is abnormal or if your muscles are not strong enough to support the joint.
To set up a consultation with one of the best orthopedic surgeons in Phoenix, AZ, call Phoenix Shoulder and Knee clinic at 480-219-3342. Dr. Adam Farber is a Board certified, Fellowship trained and one of the best knee doctors in Phoenix. He specializes in sports medicine. He has a particular interest in joint replacement and arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery of the knee, shoulder, elbow and ankle. His focus is on shoulder, elbow, and knee injuries/conditions, including rotator cuff tears, shoulder instability, labral pathology, Tommy John surgery, articular cartilage injuries, meniscal pathology, and ACL tears.