Total knee replacement or partial knee replacement may be the best option for you if your knee has been severely damaged or if you have severe, persevering knee pain. Knee replacement surgery can relieve your knee pain, correct leg deformities and help you return to your regular level of daily activity. The first knee replacement surgery was performed in 1968 and since then the advance of technologies, techniques and surgical materials has led to an increase in its effectiveness. Every year around 581,000 knee replacement surgeries are performed throughout the Unites States.

Total Knee Replacement Surgery

Total knee replacement surgery is commonly used as a way to treat knee pain for individuals with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, port-traumatic arthritis and other types of knee problems. About 90% of people who undergo knee replacement surgery experience relief from pain. There are various types of knee impants used for total knee replacement surgery including the Zimmer Gender Knee, which is designed for women, and the Verilast Knee, which claims a lifespan of up to thirty years.

Partial Knee Replacement Surgery

Partial, or unicompartmental knee replacement surgery (also known as the "uni") is most often used to alleviate pain and other uncomfortable knee problems for individuals who have arthritis in the inside area of the knee. This surgery is less invasive than total knee replacement surgery because of the smaller size of knee implant and it has a much quicker time of recovery.

For additional information about knee problems, knee injuries and partial or total knee replacement surgery, visit SaveYourKnees.org.