Total Knee Replacement Surgery

A knee replacement (also called knee arthroplasty) might be more accurately termed a knee "resurfacing" because only the surface of the bones is replaced.

There are four basic steps to a knee replacement procedure:

• Prepare the bone.The damaged cartilage surfaces at the ends of the femur and tibia are removed along with a small amount of underlying bone.
• Position the metal implants.The removed cartilage and bone are replaced with metal components that recreate the surface of the joint. These metal parts may be cemented or "press-fit" into the bone.
• Resurface the patella.The under surface of the patella (kneecap) is cut and resurfaced with a plastic button. Some surgeons do not resurface the patella, depending upon the case.
• Insert a spacer.A medical-grade plastic spacer is inserted between the metal components to create a smooth gliding surface.

 

(Left) Severe osteoarthritis. (Right) The arthritic cartilage and underlying bone has been removed and resurfaced with metal implants on the femur and tibia. A plastic spacer has been placed in between the implants.