When total knee replacement is recommended?
The decision to have total knee replacement surgery is usually made cooperatively by you, your family, your family physician, and your orthopedic surgeon. Your physician may first refer you to an orthopedic surgeon for a thorough evaluation to determine if you might benefit from this surgery. There are several reasons why your doctor may recommend knee replacement surgery. You might be recommended to undergo a knee replacement if you have; 1) Severe knee pain or stiffness that limits everyday activities, including walking, climbing stairs, and getting in and out of chairs. You may find it hard to walk more than a few blocks without significant pain and you may need to use a cane or walker. 2) Moderate or severe knee pain while resting, either during the day or at night. 3) Chronic knee inflammation and swelling that does not improve with rest or medications. 4) Knee deformity — a bowing in or out of your knee. 5) Failure to substantially impro...