| The most common reasons for knee surgery are | | | | successful, though; early detection is crucial. Even in |
| arthritis and injury. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative | | | | more advanced cases, this surgery can prolong the |
| disease that slowly wears away cartilage. Rheumatoid | | | | need for knee replacement by up to ten years. |
| arthritis is inflammation of the knee, causing damage | | | | Menisectomy is where pieces of cartilage are |
| to the cartilage. Arthritis can develop in people of all | | | | removed to help promote a pain free experience. |
| ages but is more commonly found in the older | | | | This procedure is an arthroscopic process resulting in |
| segment of the population. Injury can occur following | | | | less recovery time and lowered post operative pain. |
| a blow to the knee and is commonly a result of | | | | In approximately sixty percent of patients, this |
| sports related injuries. This type of injury is often | | | | procedure can provide maximum relief for up to five |
| found in younger people who are involved in activities | | | | years. It has a high success rate. |
| with a lot of stress to the knee, sudden shifting of | | | | Total knee replacement surgery is the most radical |
| positions, or potential for the knee to be hit. There | | | | type of surgery of the knee. It is usually a last resort |
| are several types of surgery to repair damage done | | | | and will occur only with progressive advancement of |
| to the knee. | | | | damage or in cases of severe distress. This |
| Synovectomy is the process where the lining of the | | | | procedure is still in its early stages of development |
| knee is replaced. This surgery often helps reduce | | | | but advances are made continually. This type of |
| progression of knee problems and can delay the | | | | surgery is proven to be highly effective and can |
| need for more invasive surgery. This type of surgery | | | | provide permanent relief from pain and stiffness. |
| shows success only if the problems were diagnosed | | | | Damage to the knee can cause pain and stiffness. |
| early and the damage is not severe. Prolonged | | | | This may hamper a person's ability to walk or |
| diagnosis or advanced injury will not likely be | | | | perform routine exercises comfortably. Surgery is a |
| conducive to this type of surgery. | | | | viable option for reducing the effects of knee |
| An osteotomy is a procedure is where the bones are | | | | arthritis or injury. Most physicians recommend utilizing |
| cut and realigned to redistribute weight. If this type | | | | the least invasive form of surgery possible. This will |
| of surgery is performed, it may reduce the necessity | | | | provide relief and delay the necessity for more radical |
| for a knee replacement. In order for it to be | | | | surgery. |