Surgery of the hip and knee may be required for a number of reasons - degeneration, injury, disease or simple ageing of the joint. In these cases, an artificial joint is inserted. But even artificial joints have a limited life and need to be replaced after 15 years. Artificial joints cause erosion of the surrounding bone and tissue, which poses a challenge for the insertion of another joint.

The doctor saves as much of the patient's bones, ligaments and muscles as possible. The new knee replaces only the rough cartilage at the ends of the bones with smooth metal and plastic coverings. This helps ease the pain caused by the bones rubbing during activity or while in bed.

Physical therapy will be very important after surgery to regain the motion and strength in the new knee. Pain medication will be provided to help make these tasks easier. Over the next few days normalcy gradually returns.