Total Knee Replacement Procedure

The knee joint is a hinge joint that bends and straightens. It is formed by three bones; the lower end of the femur, thigh bone, the upper end of the tibia, shin bone, and the patella, knee cap.

Bands of tissue, Ligaments connect these bones and guide the flexion and extension motion. In a healthy knee joint the ends of the bones are covered with articular cartilage, this allows a smooth pain free motion when bending. A common reason for knee replacement surgery is the wearing away of this cartilage that will lead to pain and limited motion.

As patients consider total knee replacement surgery (TKR), they will have many questions. This information will help prepare you for what to expect during this procedure.

Total knee replacement surgery is performed when the surgeon requires the arthritic or badly damaged knee joint to be replaced with man-made implants. These implants are called a prosthesis and are usually made of a combination of materials including metal and polyethylene (or plastic). Your surgeon will choose the prosthesis that is best for you and your indications. The goal of TKR surgery is to increase mobility and lessen pain. Total knee replacements are also called total knee arthroplasty (TKA).
During knee replacement surgery, the surgeon makes an incision over the affected knee exposing the joint. The surgeon then moves aside the patella, kneecap, to reach the joint surfaces.

Shaping the lower end of the femur and the upper end of the tibia, the surgeon prepares for the prosthetic implants. The implants are designed to completely replace the surfaces of the knee joint. If cement is used, it is placed on the ends of the femur and the tibia. The implants are inserted into the ends of those bones. A plastic shaped button may be attached to the undersurface of the kneecap to replace the arthritic surface. In some cases, replacement of the kneecap is not necessary. A drain tube may be placed into the wound and then is closed. Finally a bandage is applied.