Dr Burke
A Patient’s Guide To Total Knee Replacement
The knee is one of the strongest and most stable bones in the body. It is constantly used and supports much of our weight. Due to this, the knee is prone to damage. The knee is comprised of three bones, the femur, the tibia and patella. The patella is the knee cap. Muscles, tendons and ligaments connect the knee. The knee is a hinge joint, making it move in one direction. The articular cartilage connects the ends of the bones in the knee to help it move smoothly. In osteoarthritis, this cartilage is damaged. The layer might get worn out or injured too. This causes stiffness and pain in the knee. Non-surgical treatments and medication usually help in treating the pain. However, if it does not work, a knee replacement may be suggested. If the level of damage is severe, your doctor will recommend a total knee replacement.
With a total replacement, a cut is made in front of the knee cap in order to reach the damaged area. The flawed part of the femur and tibia are then removed. The end of the tibia is replaced with a metal plate and a piece of plastic to decrease friction. The end of the femur is replaced with a curved metal plate. They create an artificial joint which may last for 10 to 15 years after which another replacement might be required. The benefits of total knee replacement are as follows:
Benefits of total knee replacement:
- No more painful days and total relief from knee pain.
- More mobility is possible with painless knees.
- Better quality of life is guaranteed.
- People who have had total knee replacement feel more independent.
Risks of total knee replacement:
- A total knee replacement may also pose a few risk factors that can include:
Dr. Burke Orthopedics Articles & Media
Subscribe & Receive New Orthopedic Articles
[hubspot type=form portal=7307608 id=640ecef4-13b6-4c8d-93c2-796bdabb06da]