Arthritis occurs more in the knee than in any other joint. Over time, the cartilage can crack and tear, resulting in osteoarthritis. When the cartilage wears out in the joint, the bones of the knee rub against each other creating pain.

There are other forms of arthritis that can also create pain in the knee and degeneration of the cartilage. These are inflammatory arthritis and Traumatic arthritis. Inflammatory arthritis is caused by the chronic inflammation of the knee joint. Traumatic arthritis is usually the result of an accidental injury, such as a sports injury.

The candidates for knee replacement include people with daily pain that restricts work, recreation and regular activities, constant knee instability and deformity such as knock-knees and bow legs.

The artificial knee works similarly to a regular healthy knee. Though your artificial knee will not be as good as your real knee in its prime, it will enable you to resume most of your normal activities without pain. Statistics show that approximately 90% of patients who undergo knee replacement surgery have better motion after the surgery than before.

Knee replacements may last as long as 20 years. Loosening of the prosthesis is the most common problem in the long term. This is cause either by deteriorating cement or the bone pulling away from the cement. Your weight and activity are key factors in the problem of loosening. In most cases, a loose and painful artificial knee can be repaired.

Once you have decided to have the surgery, the doctor will be sure that you are in good health. This will require an exam by your primary care physician. You should discuss such things as your medications, diet and home environment.

You will start rehabilitation while in the hospital and, usually on the fourth or fifth day, be transferred to a rehab facility. Some patients may be discharged to home if there is support in the home.

Recovery varies with each person. You will use a walker for about 4 weeks after the operation. You can ride in a car in 2 to 4 weeks. Most people gradually increase their activities and can slow dance in 6 to 8 weeks, play golf, doubles tennis, shuffleboard or bowl in 12 weeks. More active sports such as singles tennis or jogging is not recommended.

A total knee replacement is a very successful orthopedic procedure. It still must be viewed as a major operation with the associated risks of any operation.

The hip is a ball and socket joint. The ball and the socket are both covered in soft tissue called cartilage, which allows for smooth, easy movement of the hip joint. Over time, the components of the hip joint can become damaged or wear away causing stiffness and pain.

Some of the common causes of hip pain are osteoarthritis, inflammatory arthritis, hip fractures, necrosis and wear and tear.

Hip replacement surgery is generally only recommended in cases where the pain does not respond to non-surgical treatment and is severe enough to prevent the patient from performing normal, everyday activities.

Following surgery, most patients can expect to resume near-normal movement, and nearly all patients experience at least some degree of improved motion. Most patients can also expect increased leg strength, easier movement and improved quality of life.

Prior to surgery you will have a complete examination. It is very important to inform your doctor of all medications you are currently taking, including over the counter drugs.

You can make the recovery process a lot easier by planning ahead. Plan to have someone help you around the house in the weeks following surgery. If your home has more than one floor, try setting up a temporary bedroom on the ground floor, since going up and down stairs will be difficult in the weeks following surgery. It is helpful to have a shower seat and an elevated toilet seat before going home.

During the surgery, the ball of the hip is cut from the thigh bone, which is smoothed and prepared. A new socket is inserted into the pelvis, this is usually secured with either cement or screws. A new hip stem is put into the top of the thigh bone. After securing with cement, the new ball and socket of the hip are joined. Your incision will be 8 to 12 inches long.

After the surgery you will remain in the hospital for 4 to 5 days. You will start a rehabilitation routine while at the hospital and then be discharged to a rehab facility or home if adequate support is available. Pain medication will be prescribed as needed.

You should call the doctor as soon as possible if you develop swelling, unusual pain or fluid leak from the incision.

Consult your orthopedic surgeon if you think you are a candidate for hip replacement surgery.

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