Knee replacement, also known as knee arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure to replace a damaged knee joint with an artificial one.
Understanding Knee Replacement Surgery
The process generally involves the following steps:
- Incision: The surgeon makes a cut down the front of your knee.
- Kneecap Relocation: The kneecap is moved to the side, providing access to the knee joint.
- Bone Resection: The damaged ends of the shin bone and thigh bone are carefully cut away.
- Prosthesis Placement: New prosthetic parts, often made of metal and plastic, are fitted over the cut ends of the shin and thigh bones. These parts form the new artificial knee joint.
Step-by-Step Breakdown
Step | Description |
---|---|
Incision | A surgical cut is made down the front of the knee. |
Kneecap Movement | The kneecap is moved out of the way to access the knee joint behind it. |
Bone Preparation | The damaged parts of the shin bone (tibia) and thigh bone (femur) are removed. |
Prosthesis Fitting | Metal and plastic components are attached to the prepared ends of the tibia and femur. These components replicate the function of a healthy knee joint. |
Key Elements of Knee Replacement
- Prosthetic Materials: Typically, the new joint parts are made of metal and plastic.
- Joint Function: The procedure aims to restore the proper function of the knee joint, reducing pain and improving mobility.
This procedure is typically considered when other treatments like physical therapy, medication, or injections are not sufficient to alleviate knee pain and improve function.