Arthritis is the number one cause of chronic disability in the United States. Affecting nearly 40 million Americans, it refers to more than 100 diseases that cause pain, stiffness and swelling from the inflammation of a joint or the area around joints. The three basic types of arthritis that may cause hip and knee pain:

Here are definitions of some medical terms related to knee replacement: Ambulating : To walk from place to place, mobile, walking. Arthroplasty : An artificial joint or implant. Articular Cartilage : The smooth lining that covers and protects the bone ends inside a joint. Osteoarthritis : Degenerative disease of the joint in which the cartilage

You may feel some numbness in the skin around your incision. You also may feel some stiffness, particularly with excessive bending activities. Improvement of knee motion is a goal of total knee replacement, but restoration of full motion is uncommon. The motion of your knee replacement after surgery is predicted by the motion of your

The success of your surgery will depend on how well you follow your Orthopaedic surgeons instructions at home during the first few weeks after surgery. Note: You will have stitches or staples running along your wound or a suture beneath your skin on the front of your knee. The stitches or staples will be removed

A fall during the first few weeks after surgery can damage your new knee and may result in a need for further surgery. Stairs are a particular hazard until your knee is strong and mobile. You should use a cane, crutches, a walker, handrails, or someone to help you until you have improved your balance,

The complication rate following total knee replacement is very low. Serious complications, such as a knee joint infection, occur in less than 0.5 percent of patients. Preventing Infection The most common causes of infection following total knee replacement surgery are from bacteria (germs) that enter the bloodstream during dental procedures, urinary tract infections, or skin

After surgery, you will feel some pain, but medication will be given to you to make you feel as comfortable as possible. Walking and knee movement are important to your recovery and will begin in a day or two after your operation. To avoid lung congestion after surgery, you should breathe deeply and cough frequently

You will most likely be admitted to the hospital a day before your surgery. After admission, a nurse takes your vital signs. You will be evaluated by a member of the anesthesia team. The most common types of anesthesia are:- General anesthesia, in which you are asleep throughout the procedure. Spinal or epidural anesthesia, in

Medical Evaluation If you decide to have total knee replacement surgery, you will be asked to have a medical check-up twothree weeks before surgery to assess your health and to rule out any conditions that could interfere with your surgery. Medications Tell your Orthopaedic surgeon about the medicines you are taking. He/She will tell you

The Orthopaedic evaluation consists of several components: A medical history, in which your Orthopaedic surgeon gathers information about your general health and asks you about the extent of your knee pain and your` ability to function. A physical examination to assess your knee motion, stability, and strength and overall leg alignment. X-rays to determine the