Knee replacement surgery is performed on patients with severe knee arthritis, who have failed to find improvement with nonoperative treatments for arthritis. Often knee arthritis is a problem in both of a patient's knees.

Bilateral knee replacement surgery means that both knees are replaced. Patients who have severe knee arthritis in both knees may be good candidates to undergo bilateral total knee replacement. In general, there are two types of bilateral knee replacement surgery:

• Simultaneous Bilateral Knee Replacement
  A simultaneous procedure means that both knees are replaced at the same surgery, in one day.

• Staged Bilateral Knee Replacement
  A staged procedure means that the knees are both replaced, but not on the same day. The second surgery may be performed as early as several days after the initial surgery, or several weeks or months later.

Related: Knee Replacement Surgery | Implants Made Specifically for Women

Image © Medical Multimedia Group

Another athlete is having microfracture surgery of the knee. Reggie Bush, star running back of the New Orleans Saints, had this procedure performed last week. Microfracture surgery is a procedure performed to address the problem of cartilage damage in the knee. This is not the same as a meniscus tear (often referred to as 'torn cartilage') but rather an area of damage to the smooth surface on the end of the bone.

When a small area of cartilage on the end of the bone is damaged, microfracture surgery is a treatment option. There are other treatments available, but microfracture has become popular because of the relative ease of performing the procedure, and the faster rehabilitation. Typical rehabilitation after microfracture surgery is 3-4 months. Often rehabilitation after procedures including autologous chondrocyte implantation or OATS procedures can be well over a year long.

Related: Treatment Options for Cartilage Damage | Profiles of Athletes with Orthopedic Injuries

Jonathan Daniel / Getty Images

Doctors often use a grading scale to convey the severity of a ligament injury. The degree of symptoms tends to correlate well with the extent of the damage to these ligaments.

• Grade I Sprain:
  Grade I sprains cause stretching of the ligament. The symptoms tend to be limited to pain and swelling. Most patients can walk without crutches, but may not be able to jog or jump.

• Grade II Sprain:
  A grade II sprain is more severe partial tearing of the ligament. There is usually more significant swelling and bruising caused by bleeding under the skin. Patients often have pain with walking, but can take a few steps.

• Grade III Sprain:
  Grade III sprains are complete tears of the ligaments. The joint is usually quite painful, and walking can be difficult. Patients may complain of instability, or a giving-way sensation in the joint.

Related: Ankle Sprains | Knee Sprains

In case you haven't heard, which is highly unlikely--even if you're not a football fan, New England Patriots star quarterback Tom Brady has a torn ACL. His treatment was complicated by an infection after his ACL reconstruction surgery.

Now a report has surfaced on ESPN.com stating that Brady is behind in his ACL rehab, has a loose ACL graft, and scar tissue has formed in the knee. They are reporting that Brady may need additional surgery. The prognosis for Brady remains unclear, but we know that a return to sports is not a guarantee. However, the studies on athletes with infection after ACL surgery still indicate that a return to sports at his previous level of performance is still possible.

Sources:

"Pats' Brady well behind in schedule for return" ESPN.com, 12/2008.

Al Bello / Getty Images