Knee Replacement

A total knee replacement replaces the worn ends of the thighbone (femur) and the lower leg bone (tibia) where they meet at the knee. Sometimes the surface of the patella (kneecap) is replaced too. You may want this surgery if you have knee pain, stiffness, swelling, or problems moving your knee that you cannot treat in other ways. For most people, these problems are caused by arthritis. They can also be caused by a knee injury.

If you need to have both knees replaced, you may have both surgeries at the same time. Or your doctor may recommend doing one knee at a time. Your doctor would replace the second knee after you recover from the first knee surgery. Recovery after a double knee replacement takes longer than after a single replacement.

Before surgery, you will get medicine to make you sleep or feel relaxed. If you will be awake during surgery, you will also get a shot of medicine into your spine to make your legs numb.

There are two types of replacement joints. They are:

• Cemented joints. The cement acts as glue, attaching the new joint to the bone.
• Uncemented joints. These have a metal coating with many small openings. Over time, new bone grows and fills up the openings. This new bone attaches the joint to the bone.

Your doctor may also use a combination of cemented and uncemented parts.

Your doctor makes a cut, called an incision, on the front of your knee. Your doctor then:

• Replaces the damaged part of your femur with a metal piece.
• Replaces the damaged part of your tibia with a metal piece and plastic surface.
• May replace part of your kneecap with plastic.

The doctor finishes the surgery by closing your incision with stitches, staples, skin glue, or tape strips.

Rest when you feel tired. Try to get up for short walks every hour or so. Work with your physical therapist on exercises you can do. Eat your normal diet and drink plenty of fluids (unless your doctor tells you not to). Follow your doctor's instructions about medicines and caring for your incision.