It may not have been a common possibility even 50 years ago, but today knee replacements are frequently completed with a high success rate to help those with severe knee pain and disability finally enjoy an active life free of the pain of injury or arthritis. In fact, more than 600,000 people receive a knee replacement every year, and total knee replacements are one of the most successful procedures in the medical field.

However, knee replacement is a major decision that must be made with all of the facts in mind. Your orthopedic doctor will walk you through it from start to finish, but here is a rundown on the basic facts you should know about knee replacement.

Who Should Consider Knee Replacement?

When the deterioration of your knee and surrounding tissue makes it difficult or nearly impossible to complete even basic functions like climbing stairs and sitting down, knee replacement is a viable option.

Osteoarthritis and post-traumatic arthritis are the two of the most common disabilities that lead to the need for knee replacement. Though each one creates different problems, they all lead to severe pain and limited function.

Types of Knee Replacement

The knee can be fully or partially replaced, depending on the individual and state of arthritis. The total knee replacement is by far more common as it accounts for nearly 90 percent of all knee replacement surgeries. This procedure involves repairing the knee joint by replacing the rough, worn surfaces of bone with prosthetic smooth surfaces. The surgeon may even opt to replace the undersurface of the kneecap to maintain a smooth functioning joint. Some bone and cartilage is removed in this process to make way for the replacements.

Partial knee replacement, on the other hand, can occur when only a small portion of the knee has been damaged or impacted by arthritis. The surgeon replaces only what causes pain, but this is less popular because it can lead to a second surgery in the future if the untreated portion of the knee becomes arthritic as well.

What To Expect During and After Surgery

Medical advancements in the last few decades have helped make the knee replacement a safe surgery, and few patients experience complications. Those who do suffer a side effect often experience infection, blood clots, or consistent pain, but orthopedics and surgeons can effectively resolve the complications.

Up to 80 percent of knee replacements last a full 20 years, meaning that you can once again participate in activities you thought were lost to you forever, like biking, golfing, dancing, and walking.