Total Knee Joint Replacement

Are You Considering Knee Replacement Surgery?

Each patient is unique, but generally candidates
for knee replacement surgery have:

• Pain severe enough to restrict not only work and
  recreation, but also the routine activities of daily
  living
• Pain that is not relieved by more conservative
  methods of treatment, such as reduced activity,
  medication or physical therapy
• Significant joint stiffness and loss of mobility
• X-rays that show advanced arthritis or other
  degenerative problems

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has
concluded that knee replacement surgery is “a safe
and cost-effective treatment for alleviating pain
and restoring function in patients who do not
respond to non-surgical therapies.”¹ According to
the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons,
knee replacement procedures have resulted in
significant restoration of function and reduction
of pain in about 90% of patients.²
As you read,make a note of anything you don’t
understand. Your doctor will be happy to answer
your questions so that you’ll feel comfortable and
confident with your chosen treatment plan.

References:

1. National Institutes of Health Consensus Development Conference
Statement: Total Knee Replacement 12/10/03.
2. AAOS website, http://orthoinfo.aaos. org/topic.cfm?topic=A00385,
accessed April 2011.