| Before we talk about treatment, let's start with a discussion about the human body and about your medical condition.
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You doctor has recommended that you undergo knee replacement surgery. But what exactly does that mean? |
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The knee is one of the most complex and one of the most important joints in your body. |
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Let's take a look at the way the knee joint works. |
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The knee is made up of four bones. The femur, which is the large bone in your thigh, |
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... attaches by ligaments to your tibia. |
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Just below and next to the tibia is the fibula, which runs parallel to the tibia. |
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The patella, or what we call the knee cap, rides on the knee joint as the knee bends. |
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When the knee becomes diseased due to arthritis or other injury the bones rub together causing pain and can even restricting the ability to walk. |
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No matter what the cause, one of the most effective ways to fix a damaged knee is to replace it surgically. |
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In this procedure, the ends of the femur, tibia and patella are replaced with a metal joint which restores freedom of movement. |
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Knee surgery is a major operation, but your doctor believes that the procedure --followed up with physical therapy and time to heal -- will result in reduced pain and greater mobility. |
So make sure that you ask your doctor to carefully explain the reasons behind this recommendation. |
