Knee Replacement Essay

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Weighing the Pros and Cons of Knee Replacement Surgery My research has focused on weighing the pros and cons of knee replacement surgery; specifically, for active individuals around the age of fifty, who need to be able to keep up an active lifestyle that includes working a physically strenuous job. My interest in this topic is based on personal experience and that at this point in my life; I am faced with having to make this decision. I have injured my right knee several times over the years and have developed severe arthritis in that knee. My knee joint is basically bone to bone. I have already had arthroscopic knee surgery to trim away and remove some of the damage, but the doctors say there is nothing more they can do other than replace the knee. My knee causes me severe pain and limits my physical abilities tremendously. I have seen three doctors, who are all experts, for consultations and opinions and they have all recommended knee replacement surgery; however, I can’t help rolling the following comment over and over in my head, “Knee replacement is not a quick fix, and is not without risks.” (Johns Hopkins) In order to provide a little medical background, the definition of osteoarthritis is the “Degeneration of joint cartilage and the underlying bone, most common from middle age onward.” (Memidex Dictionary) It is sometimes referred to as “wear and tear” arthritis. The knee is one of the largest, most complex joints of the body and also one of the most used. The knee is used to stand, sit, walk and run just to name a few. It is also a weight bearing joint that straightens, bends, twists and rotates. The amount of activity and motion the knee endures makes it one of the easiest and most likely parts of the body to injure as well as increasing the likelihood of it wearing out. (Naturoveda) People who have had knee injuries earlier in life also tend to be more

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