Total knee replacement is a surgical procedure where the worn out surfaces
of the knee are resurfaced with metal and plastic components. Over time,
the cartilage that cushions the bones can wear away, cause pain and discomfort,
and make simple pleasures like walking and shopping unbearable. Knee replacement
can reduce or eliminate pain, allow easier movement and get you back to
normal life.
Partial knee replacement is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that
resurfaces the worn, arthritic surfaces of the knee joint with metal and
plastic components. Over time, the cartilage covering the ends of the
femur (thighbone) and tibia (shinbone) can wear away causing pain, swelling
and reduced mobility. If the wear is confined to one area of the knee,
partial knee replacement may be an option.
The knee joint is made up of three bones – the femur, the tibia and
the patella, or knee cap. The femur contacts the tibia with two areas,
called condyles – the medial condyle and the lateral condyle. The
underside of the kneecap also contacts the femur and tibia as it glides
along the groove in the femur. Any of these three areas of contact can
fall victim to the wear and tear effects of arthritis – causing
pain, heat, stiffness and swelling. Total knee replacement involves the
replacement of all three surfaces with metal and plastic components. If
arthritis is limited to either the lateral or medial compartment of the
knee, partial knee replacement may be considered.
There are many kinds and designs of knee implants available today, and
no one design or type is best for every patient or their particular situation.
Each surgeon selects the implant that they believe is best for their patient’s
needs based on a number of factors including age, activity level, the
implant’s track record, and his or her comfort with the instruments
associated with the particular implant. If you have specific questions
regarding implants, your surgeon will be happy to answer them for you.
Knee replacement is recognized as one of the most successful procedures
in all of medicine. In the United States, over 400,000 people have their
knees replaced each year, and a recent panel of independent experts determined
that ninety percent of those opting for knee replacement reported “fast
pain relief, improved mobility, and better quality of life.”
