replacement
surgery — also known as knee arthroplasty (ARTH-row-plas-tee) — can help
relieve pain and restore function in severely diseased knee joints. The
procedure involves cutting away damaged bone and cartilage from your thighbone,
shinbone and kneecap and replacing it with an artificial joint (prosthesis)
made of metal alloys, high-grade plastics and polymers.

In determining whether
a knee replacement is right for you, an orthopedic surgeon assesses your knee's
range of motion, stability and strength
