MyChart
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. It occurs most often in older people and is a condition that gets worse over time. The joints most often affected by this condition are in the fingers, toes, hips, knees, and spine, including the neck and lower back.
Joint Replacement Surgery
Total knee replacement is a procedure to replace the damaged knee joint surface with an artificial (prosthetic) knee joint. The purpose of this surgery is to reduce knee pain and improve knee function. The prosthetic knee joint (prosthesis) may be made of metal, plastic, or ceramic. It replaces surfaces of the thigh bone (femur), lower leg bone (tibia), and kneecap (patella).
Doctors recommend joint replacement surgery when knee pain and loss of function become severe and when conservative treatments no longer relieve pain. Your doctor will use X-rays to look at the bones and cartilage and determine appropriate treatment.
Preparing for Knee Replacement Surgery
Your new knee will give you freedom to move in ways you haven’t for a long time. Getting the new knee to work well for you will involve more than just surgery. Our experience shows that two other factors will make a big difference:
- First, choose a friend or family member as your "coach" to provide encouragement and support throughout the process.
- Second, you and your coach should learn what to expect by attending pre-surgery joint replacement education class. It’s best to attend 2-3 weeks prior to your surgery and if possible, before your final pre-operative appointment with your doctor in case you have additional questions.
Your Knee Replacement Surgery Team
Recovery from Knee Replacement Surgery
Classes & Events
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Joint Replacement Pre-Surgery Class: Online
Health Management Classesprice tag iconFree, Registration RequiredWhat to expect prior to surgery, the journey through the hospital, and plans for when you go home.