What is total knee replacement surgery?

Total Knee Replacement Surgery
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What is total knee replacement surgery?

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.

How is total knee replacement surgery done?

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.

After a total knee replacement: When to call

Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:

  • You passed out (lost consciousness).
  • You have severe trouble breathing.
  • You have sudden chest pain and shortness of breath, or you cough up blood.

Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

  • You have signs of infection, such as:
    • Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness.
    • Red streaks leading from the incision.
    • Pus draining from the incision.
    • A fever.
  • You have signs of a blood clot, such as:
    • Pain in your calf, back of the knee, thigh, or groin.
    • Redness and swelling in your leg or groin.
  • Your incision comes open and begins to bleed, or the bleeding increases.
  • You have pain that does not get better after you take pain medicine.

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:

  • You do not have a bowel movement after taking a laxative.

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