Knee replacement

Please read: Important 2013 cancer research update from Dr. Michael Camilleri

Free

E-newsletter

Subscribe to Housecall

Our weekly general interest
e-newsletter keeps you up to date on a wide variety of health topics.

Sign up now

Image

Knee comparisons

Images of knee, before and after knee replacement surgery

One of the most common reasons for knee replacement surgery is joint damage caused by wear-and-tear arthritis (osteoarthritis). Osteoarthritis can erode the slick cartilage that helps your knee joint move smoothly. An artificial knee joint has metal alloy caps for your thighbone and shinbone, and high-density plastic to replace eroded cartilage.
IM00073

© 1998-2013 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). All rights reserved. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.com," "EmbodyHealth," "Enhance your life," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.

  • Print

  • Share on:

  • Email

Advertisement


Text Size: smaller largerlarger