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Newton, MA 02462
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Newton Centre, MA 02459
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Wellesley, Massachusetts 02482
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Wellesley, Massachusetts 02481
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The knee joint is a hinge joint that bends (flexion) and straightens (extension). It is formed by three bones; the lower end of the femur (thigh bone), the upper end of the tibia (shin bone) and the patella (knee cap). See Figure 1.
Ligaments (bands of tissue) connect the bones and guide the motion. In a healthy knee joint the ends of the bones are covered with articular cartilage, which allows smooth pain free motion. A common reason for knee replacement surgery is related to the wearing away of cartilage leading to pain and limited mobility.
Total knee replacement, also called total knee arthroplasty (TKA), is performed with the goal of increasing mobility and lessening pain.
During knee replacement surgery, the surgeon makes an incision over the affected knee to expose the knee joint. The surgeon then moves aside the patella (kneecap) to reach the joint surfaces.
The surgeon shapes the lower end of the femur and the upper end of the tibia, in preparation for the prosthetic implants. The implants are designed to completely replace the surfaces of the knee joint . If cement is used, it is placed on the ends of the femur and the tibia. The implants are inserted into the ends of those bones. A plastic “button” may be attached to the undersurface of the kneecap to replace the arthritic surface. In some cases, replacement of the kneecap is not necessary. A drain tube may be placed into the wound, and the wound is closed. A bandage is applied.
Another procedure to repair knees is called a unicompartmental knee replacement. This procedure is done when damage to the knee is limited to one side of the joint, a condition called single compartment degenerative disease. In this procedure, the worn portion of the knee joint is resurfaced while the remainder of the knee joint is left unchanged.
The procedure is done through a shorter incision than a regular knee replacement. The materials used are the same, but the prostheses are smaller than the ones used for regular knee replacement. The operative time is about the same. Your activity progression may be quicker.
To learn more about joint replacement surgery or make an appointment, please call us at 855-KNEE-HIP (855-563-3447) or email us.