Aging is said to be an inevitable part of life. As one progresses in years, his or her body begins to show signs of strain. Among adults 45 years and over, joint problems are becoming more and more common, which can be termed as osteoarthritis. As of 1998, the journal Arthritis and Rheumatism has reported that about 21 million adults in the world suffer this condition.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is generally the weakening of ligaments in joints, causing immobility and in many cases, pain when moving. Some of the ways by which osteoarthritis can be avoided is by weight loss for obese persons and moderate physical activities at least a few times a week. If the knee conditions have progressed to severe cases, knee surgery may be required. For patients who are unable to walk, due to extreme injuries or joint deterioration, a total knee replacement surgery may be required. This is a procedure that hundreds of thousands of people go through every year.

Total knee replacement surgery

In a total knee replacement surgery, the doctor makes a small incision on the knee and replaces the worn-out ligaments with metal or plastic attachments. According to present studies, these replacements can last for more than fifteen years.

Meniscus knee surgery

Another method performed when knee injuries and conditions are severe is the meniscus knee surgery. The term is derived from the meniscus, a cartilage disk that lies between the thigh bone and the shin bone. The meniscus acts as a cushion or supporter whenever the knee joint is moved.

Meniscus knee surgery

This procedure is usually done on a patient who has experienced a tear in his cartilage, possibly due to an accident or injury. A person may need meniscus knee surgery if he has difficulty straightening his knees, when his knees are locked or unbendable, or when a popping sound can be heard whenever the joint is straightened. In this procedure, an incision is made on the knee, and the torn meniscus is repaired by tacking or sewing it back together.

Arthroscopic knee surgery

Arthroscopic knee surgery is also a procedure performed on a patient with damaged knee cartilage. Before a major operation is done, a small incision is first made on the knee. After this, a small camera is inserted in the joint so the surgeon can visualize the problem area. When the damage is determined, a slightly larger incision is made and the problematic cartilage is removed. In some cases, the removed cartilage is replaced by synthetic materials which are more durable.

Cost of Knee Surgery?

Patients who have experienced these procedures only need a short time for recovery and physical therapy. Many patients have resumed normal activities like walking and work a few weeks after the knee surgery. These surgeries cost anywhere between $2,000 to over $5,000, depending on the degree of repair needed. It is always recommended that an evaluation be done by a doctor to determine which procedure is best suited for repairing knee joint problems. After every surgery, a patient should be more observant of his diet and activities, to prevent further complications.