What is a knee replacement?

During knee replacement surgery, a surgeon removes the damaged joint tissue and replaces it with an artificial metal or plastic knee, according to WebMD. The surgeon attaches the artificial joint to the bone with surgical material or cement.

Knee replacement patients are generally between ages 50 and 80, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. The surgery helps to relieve knee pain and swelling. It also corrects deformities due to arthritis. After surgery, the medical caregivers take measures to prevent pneumonia and blood clots. It is critical that patients take measures to prevent falls during the first few weeks after surgery.