Knee joint replacement is a procedure that replaces an injured
or ailing knee with an artificial joint called a prosthesis. The
prosthesis is made of metal alloys, plastics, and polymers. It
simulates the function of a knee. Replacement knees can be
custom tailored to meet your needs. When selecting a prosthetic
knee, your doctor will take into account your age, weight,
activity level, and overall health (AAOS, 2011). The procedure
to remove your old knee and replace it with a prosthesis only
takes about two hours, but recovery and rehabilitation can last
months. The procedure is also known as knee arthroplasty. Knee
replacements are a very common surgery. According to the Agency
for Healthcare Research and Quality, more than 600,000 knee
replacements are performed every year in the United States
(AAOS, 2011). Knee replacement is usually only recommended after
other, less invasive, treatment options have failed. First-line
treatment options include losing weight, medications, physical
therapy, and assistant d