Healthy Knee Healthy Knee Introduction Common Causes of Knee Pain Knee Replacement Surgery Risks of Knee Replacement Surgery Benefits of Knee Replacement Surgery Surgical Alternatives to Total Knee Replacement Computer Assisted Knee Surgery The Right Knee Replacement for You: How Does Your Surgeon Select It?

The knee joint is among the largest, strongest, and most complex joints in the body. Whenever you walk, sit, squat, turn around, drive, or perform other simple movements, your body is depending on the knee for support and mobility.

The knee is a “hinge” joint, which is formed by the femur (thigh bone), the tibia (shin bone) and the knee cap (patella). The moving parts of a normal knee are covered with a layer of articular cartilage. The knee joint also has cartilage between the bones (meniscus) that act as padding. This padding helps ensure a gliding movement of the knee that is both effortless and smooth. The healthy knee joint also has a joint capsule lined with a synovial membrane. This membrane produces lubricating fluid that contributes to the smooth movement of the knee. With each step approximately 3 times a persons weight is transferred across the knee joint.

The knee is designed to withstand a lifetime of stressful activity. Arthritis may interfere with the knee’s ability to cushion the body from stress causing pain that can dramatically decrease your quality of life.