IBJI Blog

Knee Replacement Surgery In A Nutshell

Knee Replacement (or Knee Arthroplasty) is performed more often than any other joint replacement surgery today, more than 300,000 are performed annually in the United States alone. With over ninety percent of knee replacement surgeries resulting in a major improvement in pain and mobility, many patients consider this the most beneficial joint replacement surgery available.  Much of the success of this surgery can be attributed to patients becoming very focused and active in their rehabilitation. A fairly new technique, called 3D modeling, is also increasing the success rate for knee replacement surgery (more on IBJI's 3D modeling capabilities in another article).

Knee Replacement Explained

In a total knee replacement, the cartilage and ends of the femur and tibia are removed. Specialized instruments are used for the removal, which makes the exposed bone surface ready for the implants.  The orthopedic surgeon then fits a new joint to the ends of both bones. Typically then new joint is a combination of metal, typically titanium, and polyethylene, which is an incredibly tough and reliable plastic. Recently longer lasting ceramic and zirconium have been used in knee replacements, though the ceramic is not able to withstand excessive weight or activity.

Candidates for Knee Arthroplasty

Good candidates for knee replacement are chronic sufferers of arthritis (joint inflammation). Typically knee arthritis manifests as osteoarthritis, which is when the cartilage is worn away exposing the bone. This causes the bones of the knee to rub painfully against each other. Usually orthopedic doctors will try most, if not all, of the non-surgical treatments before performing surgery. If the patient only has sporadic pain or has the ability to take part in sports or athletics the Orthopedist will use other pain management and joint supplement techniques.

Dr. Wayne Goldstein of IBJI received honorable mention at the first 10th District International Volunteer Fair. Hosted by Congressman Mark Kirk, the Fair's purpose was to showcase those in the 10th congressional district who voluntarily contributed to improvements in other countries. Dr. Goldstein was honored as a "doctor to the doctors in Sierra Leone". In 2006, he provided free medical care to Olabisi Claudius-Cole, an African physician who runs a clinic in one of the poorest areas of Africa. At the time, Dr. Claudius-Cole was being disabled by significant arthritis in her knees and hips. Joint replacement surgeries were, she thought, out of her financial reach. Her ability to continue to practice medicine was being threatened, and subsequently, so was the health of clinic patients who had no other options for care. Click here to view video on this website.

Not only did Dr. Goldstein perform knee replacement and hip replacement surgeries at no cost, he also was instrumental in persuading other physicians, Depuy medical device manufacturer and Rush North Shore Medical Center to waive part or all of their fees as well. Dr. Goldstein credits the musician Bono as his inspiration. The musician/philanthropist had spoken at a college graduation ceremony attended by Dr. Goldstein. Bono's message, "We have the means, but do we have the will?", resonated with Dr. Goldstein. When he met Dr. Claudius-Cole, he recognized it was his opportunity to improve the life of a woman whose life was dedicated to improving others' lives.

From his webpage, Congressman Kirk said, "America is best when it advances our humanitarian ideals and work overseas. We are the most generous and outgoing givers in the world, relieving famine in North Korea, fighting AIDS in Africa and advancing human rights against some of the worst governments on the planet. To help further this work, I hosted the first 10th District International Volunteer Fair on February 16 to bring area residents together with international relief organizations."