What gets replaced in a total knee replacement?
The thighbone (or femur) abuts the large bone of the lower leg (tibia) at the knee joint. During a total knee replacement, the end of the femur bone is removed and replaced with a metal shell. The end of the lower leg bone (tibia) is also removed and replaced with a channeled plastic piece with a metal stem.
Can a partial knee replacement be done at the same time?
However, if you have a partial knee replacement, you may need additional surgery in the future if arthritis develops in the parts of the knee that aren’t replaced. In bilateral or double knee replacement surgery, the surgeon replaces both knees at the same time.
When was the total knee replacement procedure introduced?
Most of these procedures are done to replace knees damaged by osteoarthritis. The procedure was introduced in 1968. Total knee replacement is considered one of the safest and most effective procedures in orthopedics.
What do you need to know about knee replacement surgery?
X-rays help determine the extent of damage. Your doctor can choose from a variety of knee replacement prostheses and surgical techniques, considering your age, weight, activity level, knee size and shape, and overall health. The most common reason for knee replacement surgery is to relieve severe pain caused by osteoarthritis.
What is the name of the knee replacement surgery?
Knee replacement surgery — also known as knee arthroplasty (ARTH-row-plas-tee) — can help relieve pain and restore function in severely diseased knee joints.
How to find out if you are a candidate for knee replacement?
Contact one of our treating physicians for knee replacement to find out if you are an appropriate candidate for ambulatory joint replacement. All patients who express interest in the ambulatory joint replacement surgery program are evaluated by both the orthopedic surgeon and our multidisciplinary team.
How does total knee replacement ( TKR ) surgery work?
When you have total knee replacement (TKR) surgery, the recovery and rehabilitation process plays a crucial role in helping you get back on your feet and resume an active lifestyle. It can help you heal from surgery faster and greatly improve your chances for long-term success.
When is it time to have knee replacement surgery?
This surgery may be considered for someone who has severe arthritis or a severe knee injury. Various types of arthritis may affect the knee joint. Osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease that affects mostly middle-aged and older adults, may cause the breakdown of joint cartilage and adjacent bone in the knees.