Total Knee Replacement Surgery:

 

What is total knee replacement surgery?

Total knee replacement surgery is medical surgery meant to repair and resurface the knee. In order to cap the ends of the knee bones a combination of plastic and metal are used.

 

Who needs a total knee replacement surgery?

Those who have had a major knee injury or have severe arthritis are eligible candidates for total knee replacement surgery. The signs you might need surgery include difficulty walking, climbing stairs or pain when knees are not in use.

 

What does the procedure involve?

The procedure starts with the removal of damaged cartilage and a slight section of underlying bone at the end of the femur and end of the tibia. Then metal components replace the cartilage and bone that was removed. In some cases the patella is replaced with a plastic button. Then a plastic spacer is placed in between each of the medal pieces.

 

What to expect from a total knee replacement surgery?

The majority of patients that receive this surgery experience a considerable decrease of pain allowing them to perform their daily activities more easily. After a time the replaced knee will began to wear down. It is highly important to keep weight down as the added weight can cause a quicker wear. It is also important to not over exercise or perform exercises that put extreme pressure on the knees.