A few frequently asked questions about knee replacement: 1. What is knee replacement? “Knee arthroplasty should strictly be called “knee joint surface replacement”, which is a bionic material to replace the cartilage of the joint surface that has been severely worn out, so that the joint surface becomes smooth again. In this procedure, the worn and damaged joint surface is removed (8-9mm thick) and replaced with cobalt-chromium-molybdenum alloy and high grade polyethylene. It is just like when we have a tooth problem, we use the material to repair it and put on a tooth protector so that the tooth can continue to be used. Knee joint surface replacement is just like this tooth protector to protect the joint, and the surgery is to preserve the important ligaments and other structures. 2.What are the diseases that require knee replacement? A: There is no way to repair the cartilage of the articular surface after its destruction. Knee replacement is the best way to treat the disease of severe wear and tear of the articular surface at present. Knee replacement is mainly used for various causes of joint surface destructive diseases, mainly various arthritis, commonly used in severe degenerative osteoarthritis (osteomalacia), rheumatoid arthritis, gouty arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, traumatic arthritis, bone tumors, osteonecrosis of the femoral condyle and so on. 3. What is the service life of artificial joint? A: It varies according to the patient’s condition. Currently reported 15-20 years the existence of the rate of about 75%, each year after the joint replacement, you increase the possibility of the need for a second operation by 1%. For example, at 15 years after surgery, approximately 10% of patients will need another revision surgery. For example, at 15 years after surgery, approximately 10% of patients will need a revision. At 20 years after surgery, approximately 15% of patients will need a revision. 4. How long does it take to recover from surgery? A: Recovery time varies from patient to patient. However, for most patients, they can get down to the ground the day after the drain is removed, and they will need to use crutches or a walker for 1 month after surgery. For the next few weeks, they can go out with a cane or walk around the house or neighborhood without any assistance. Generally speaking, after 3 months, or maybe a little longer (half a year), you will be able to gradually return to normal functioning without any aids.