Knee surgery refers to a medical procedure performed on the knee joint, which is a hinge joint that connects the leg to the thigh and allows for flexibility in walking, running or other physical activities. The purpose of knee surgery can vary widely depending on the specific condition being treated; it may involve repairing damage caused by injury, correcting alignment issues, removing damaged tissue due to arthritis or other degenerative conditions, or replacing a joint that has been severely damaged.
During knee surgery, an incision is made in the skin and soft tissues are moved aside to allow access to the bones and ligaments of the knee joint. The surgeon may use specialized instruments to trim, realign or repair damaged tissue; in some cases, this may involve replacing a portion of the knee joint with an artificial implant.
After surgery, patients typically require physical therapy to help regain strength and mobility in their knees, as well as to reduce swelling and promote healing. The recovery process can vary depending on the specific procedure performed, but most people are able to return to normal activities within several months of surgery.