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Knee Pain

• Understanding Knee Pain
  
  
• Stryker Treatment Options
  • Triathlon® Knee System
  • Stryker Total Knee Systems
  • Scorpio® Total Knee Systems
  • Total Knee Replacements Designed with Women in Mind
  • MIS (Minimally Invasive Surgery)
  • Computer-Assisted Surgery
  • Partial Knee Resurfacing
  • Knee Joint Replacement FAQs
  • What to Expect from Surgery
  • Sarcoma Treatment Options
  
  
• Take Control
  
  
• Real Stories from Knee Replacement Recipients
  
  

Consider Replacement

Ready to Consider Knee Joint Replacement?

The vast majority of individuals who have joint replacement surgery experience a dramatic reduction in joint pain and a significant improvement in their ability to participate in the activities of daily living.

If arthritis (or injury) has damaged your knee, and different treatments for your pain haven't helped you get through your everyday activities comfortably, you may be ready to consider knee replacement surgery. You'll be in good company: More than a quarter-million Americans have knee replacement surgery every year. First performed in 1968, the procedure typically relieves pain and restores joint function. "If I had known the outcome would be like this, I'd have had the surgery 10 years ago. This is truly the greatest thing that has ever happened to me." Jim Baty, Knee Recipient

Understanding How The Knee Works

By understanding how a normal, healthy knee works, it will be easier for you to understand the way a knee joint prosthesis, or artificial knee joint, works — and the difference it may make in your life. A joint is formed by 2 or more bones that are connected by thick bands of tissue called ligaments. The knee is the largest joint in the body and is made up of three main parts:

• The lower end of the thigh bone, or femur
• The upper end of the shin bone, or tibia
• The kneecap, or patella

The thigh bone (femur) turns on the upper end of the shin bone (tibia), and the kneecap (patella) slides in a groove on the end of the thigh bone. Ligaments, which are bands of tissue, connect the thigh bone and the shin bone to help keep the knee joint steady. The quadriceps, the long muscles on the front of the thigh, help strengthen the knee. A smooth substance called articular cartilage covers the surface of the bones where they touch each other within the joint. This articular cartilage acts as a cushion between the bones. The rest of the surfaces of the knee joint are covered by a thin, smooth tissue liner called synovial membrane, which makes a small amount of fluid that acts as a lubricant.

Find an Orthopaedic Doctor Search for Orthopedic Doctors in your area. Receive the names and addresses of Orthopedic Doctors who have used or are familiar with Stryker products.