The most common reason for needing a knee replacement surgery is osteoarthritis, a condition in which the cartilage and tissue joint deteriorates. The damaged joint causes knee pain or stiffness which limits the daily activities. An injury or trauma could be another reason for needing a joint replacement surgery. People with knee deformity, such as bow-legs or knock-knees, that is caused or worsened by knee joint degeneration are also likely to be recommended knee surgery.
A candidate for knee replacement usually has:
Persistent knee pain even while resting
Disability or restriction of movementX-rays showing severe joint degeneration
Other non-surgical treatments such as physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, joint injections, or less invasive surgeries fail to improve the condition