Knee Replacement

FACTS: The knee is the largest joint in the human body and very important if you enjoy sitting, kneeling and walking. Knees are well-oiled biomechanical marvels with bones, tendons, ligaments and membranes packed beautifully into your legs. The bones include the lower femur, the upper tibia and the patella, or kneecap. Articular cartilage surrounds the edges of these bones where they touch, allowing fluid motion. Menisci act as shock absorbers between the bones where heavy pressure is exerted. The remaining surfaces of the knee are covered in the synovial membrane, a thin lining that releases a lubricant to reduce friction.

Normally, the knee’s components all work in anatomical harmony. Yet with so many moving parts, knees are prone to injury, diseases such as arthritis, and basic wear and tear over time. But you need not live with knee stiffness, pain or a cane. When the knee’s system is disrupted you might try physical therapy, weight loss or medication. Or just go in for a tune-up and even have your entire knee replaced!

Knee replacement surgery has become very common. Over one-million people have new knees installed each year. Since the first knee arthroplasty was performed in the 1960s, its effectiveness has increased dramatically. The procedure is successful on account of better tools, improved techniques and biocompatible materials including ceramics, plastics, and alloys of cobalt-chromium and titanium. Recovery only takes a few months and knee implants are designed to last up to 20 years. So why take a knee if your knees are squeaking, crackling or knocked out? Run and jump into the 21st century bionic knee movement!