Painful knees are a common problem in middle-aged people and elders, and the most common cause of knee pain in this population is knee arthritis. There are very few treatments for knee arthritis early can help alleviate pain and return people to their daily activities. As some point, arthritis of the knee begins to interfere with the quality of life to the point that something has to change. When treatments such as anti-inflammatory medications, cortisone injections and physical therapy do not improve the situation, total knee replacement may be an option.

The most general reason of chronic knee pain and disability is arthritis. Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and traumatic arthritis are the most common.

1.Osteoarthritis generally occurs after age 50 and often in an individual with a family history of arthritis. The cartilage that cushions the bones of the knee softens and wears away. The bones rub together, causing pain and stiffness in the knee.

2.Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease in which the synovial membrane becomes thickened and inflamed, producing too much synovial fluid over-fills the joint space. This chronic inflammation can damage cartilage and eventually cause cartilage loss, pain and stiffness.

3.Traumatic arthritis can follow a serious knee injury. A knee fracture or severe tears in the ligaments of the knee can damage the articular cartilage over time, causing knee pain and limited function of the knee.

Recent Advances in Knee Joint Replacement Surgery:

Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) has developed knee replacement surgery, and many fields of medicine. Its key feature is that it uses specific methods and instrumentation to let surgeons to execute major surgery without any large cut.MIS requires a much smaller incision, three inches to five years, compared to standard approach and the incision, which is usually eight to twelve inches. The smaller, less invasive approaches result in less tissue trauma, allowing the surgeon to work between the quadriceps muscle fibers rather than requiring an incision through the tendon. It may lead to less pain, shorter recovery time and better motion due to reduced formation of scar tissue.When a full knee replacement is performed, the bone and cartilage at the end of the thighbone

(emur) and upper shin bone (tibia) are removed. This is done with accuracy to craft accurate surfaces to accommodate the implant. A metal and plastic implant knee replacement is put to work as a new knee joint. Depending on the condition of the cartilage on the undersurface of the kneecap, this may also be replaced.

The knee prosthesis implants can wear out over time. The implant is made of metal and plastic, and while these implants are designed to last many years, all of which take time. Studies have shown knee replacement implants are functioning well in 90-95% of patients between 10 and 15 years after surgery. Most full knee replacements last 20 years and many of them last longer. However, it is important to understand that there are possible complications of knee replacement surgery may reduce the life of the implant. Because of this, knee replacement should be reserved for elderly patients with significant symptoms of arthritis.

The Author is a medical expert by profession and has written articles on various health related issues. At present, he is working for www.fortishospitals-medicaltourism.com and writing on the topics like knee replacements surgery, total knee replacements, full knee replacement, orthopaedic treatment, multiple sclerosis diagnosis, multiple sclerosis treatment , cancer hospitals India etc