Understanding Your Surgery
The Knee Joint
The knee is the largest joint in the body . The bones of the knee form a hinge joint . These bones include the lower end of the thigh bone ( femur ), the upper end of the shin bone ( tibia ), and the kneecap ( patella ).
The rough surfaces of the ends of the femur and tibia are protected with shock- absorbing tissue called cartilage . In a healthy knee , the cartilage cushions the joint for movement and allows the femur and tibia to move smoothly against each other without causing pain . Thighbone bone ( femur ( ))
Kneecap ( patella ))
Knee Replacement Surgery
Knee replacement surgery involves removing parts of the damaged knee and replacing them with artificial parts called implants . Damage is the result of arthritis and / or injury . The decision to have a knee replacement is made with your surgeon and is based on your general medical health and how much your daily life is affected by your knee :
� Pain — affects your activities of daily living , your walking , or your sleep
� Swelling — does not improve with rest or medications
� Stiffness — unable to bend or straighten the knee
� No improvement with medications , therapy , or knee injections
� Deformity
Cartilage ( articular ))
Cartilage ( meniscus ) ) Shinbone bone ( tibia ( tibia ) )
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