Total Knee Joint Replacement
A knee replacement is one of the most commonly performed orthopaedic surgeries and is usually very successful in treating knee arthritis, relieving pain and restoring knee function.
A total knee joint replacement involves removing the damaged cartilage and arthritic bone from the knee and replacing the surfaces of the femur (thigh bone) and tibia (shin bone) with metal surfaces. A specialisedhard plastic cushion is then inserted between these metal surfaces to protect them and help stabilise the knee. If there is also arthritis between the femur and patella (knee cap), the surgeon may consider replacing the under-surface of the patella with a specially designed plastic button.
The procedure is performed under general anaesthesia or with a spinal nerve block. Following the surgery, patients are able to put weight on their leg and even walk, as soon as they are comfortable. Physiotherapy is an essential part of recovering from a knee replacement to ensure the best long-term outcome.
A total knee replacement “resurfaces” the moving parts of the knee. The patient’s muscles tendons and soft tissues around the knee remain the same.
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