The knee is the largest joint in the body. Knee problems are very common and can be caused by a number of reasons. Most knee problems are the result of arthritis or knee injuries in which one or more ligaments or tendons surrounding the knee are torn or damaged. Arthritis or inflammation of cartilage around the joint can lead to severe pain and damage to the bones of the knee joint. Injuries can result from a specific incident, such as a sports-related injury, or just happen over time with use.
Diagnosing knee problems involves a review of medical history, examination by physician specialist, diagnostic imaging and possibly arthroscopic exams or joint aspirations in which a syringe removes fluid from the knee.
Treatments for knee problems will traditionally begin with rest, ice, exercise, physical therapy, injections, medications to reduce pain and inflammation and surgery. The types of surgery utilized to treat knee pain have evolved over the years to include arthroscopic procedures utilizing small incisions, ligament repairs and grafts and total joint replacements.
Some 300,000 knee replacements are performed each year in the United States and the number is increasing as new technology becomes available.
