Total knee arthroplasty is an effective surgical procedure for the treatment of end-stage osteoarthritis of the knee from a variety of causes. It is a well-developed and widely performed procedure, with over 500,000 total knee arthroplasties performed each year worldwide and a satisfactory outcome rate of over 90% within fifteen years, providing relief to a wide range of patients. In total knee arthroplasty, the surface of the part of the knee where the bone is rubbing is replaced with special metal and plastic, which is put in place with precision instruments, the distal femur above with a metal prosthesis that matches its original curvature perfectly, the tibia below with a smooth metal prosthesis with an ultra-high polymer polyethylene spacer that acts as cartilage, and the lower surface of the patella can also be replaced with a disc made of polyethylene depending on the condition. The lower surface of the patella can also be replaced with a disc made of polyethylene. 1. How to know if you need a total knee replacement When your arthritis is severe, the cartilage of the joint surface will be severely worn and damaged, or even deformed, and conservative treatment is ineffective. At this point, an artificial knee joint is the best option. Patients with moderate to severe persistent joint pain that requires long-term pain medication to relieve the pain; patients whose knee function is significantly affected, such as those who cannot sit on a low stool, those who have difficulty going to the bathroom or going up and down stairs, and those with severe joint instability that prevents them from walking normally; and those with severe joint deformities, all require timely artificial joint replacement surgery. After knee replacement, most patients can have their pain reduced or even completely relieved, and the function and deformity of the joint can be significantly improved. Total knee arthroplasty is still a major surgery and should only be performed if all other treatments have failed. The decision to perform a total knee arthroplasty rests with you, and you need to be aware of the potential complications, both intraoperative and postoperative, which usually include infection, blood clots, pneumonia, loosening of the prosthesis, and nerve damage. Your surgeon will provide a detailed explanation of these risks. 2. Our expectations for you after surgery The surgical fitting of an artificial knee joint can improve the following: (1) eliminate pain caused by knee disease; (2) correct knee deformities; (3) increase knee mobility; (4) improve and promote knee function.