Osteoarthritis: Explained With Pictures

From Carol Eustice, former About.com Guide

Updated November 20, 2011

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

Typically, arthritis patients first try conservative treatments to control knee pain and to try and slow joint damage. If the conservative treatments (medications, injections, braces, physical therapy, heat) are not effective and do not produce a satisfactory response, many patients consider knee replacement as their last-resort treatment option.

The knee replacement prosthesis consists of 3 components: femoral (metal), tibial (plastic in a metal tray), and patellar (plastic). The prosthesis replaces your damaged knee joint.

• Total Knee Replacement - What You Need to Know
• Why Patients Delay or Decline Knee Replacement Surgery
• What Is Joint Replacement Surgery?

Previous

• Osteoarthritis Is Most Common in Adults Over 65
• Cartilage Damage From Knee Osteoarthritis
• Hip Osteoarthritis Caused by Joint Deterioration
• Three Common Sites of Hand Osteoarthritis
• Age Is Major Risk Factor for Neck Osteoarthritis
• What's the Difference Between Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis?
• Knee Replacement Is Last-Resort Treatment Option
• Hip Replacement Restores Function and Mobility

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