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:
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:
The doctor finishes the surgery by closing your incision with stitches, staples, skin glue, or tape strips.
Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
©2011-2024 Healthwise, Incorporated