Knee arthritis is a chronic and slow evolving degenerative condition that can limit patient's daily activity and exercise. The cartilage on the end of the bones that typically provides friction-free movement wears away and leads to pain, swelling, stiffness, and overall limitations to knee movement.
Knee Arthritis
The knee sees loads that are more than 6 times the weight of the body going through them during activity and exercise. Cartilage has a very limited ability to heal and thus damage to it can be permanent. Damage to the cartilage can come from specific injury or from simple wear and tear over time.
Depending on the size and extent of cartilage damage in the knee, there are many treatment options that range from small cartilage transplants up to complete knee replacement surgery.
When knee arthritis reaches the point where replacement is the best option, surgeons have options for partial and total knee replacement. Each surgery involves resurfacing the joint with metal and plastic implants to recreate a smooth and mobile joint.
