Please Upgrade Your Browser.

Unfortunately, Internet Explorer is an outdated browser and we do not currently support it. To have the best browsing experience, please upgrade to Google Chrome.

Upgrade

Total Knee Replacement

What is a Total Knee Replacement?

A joint is a point of contact between two bones, allowing movement and providing support. A total knee replacement is the surgical procedure for the replacement of a diseased or damaged knee joint with one made from artificial material.

The knee is the joint formed where the femur (thigh bone) meets the tibia (shinbone). The ends of the bones are covered with cartilage, which acts as a cushion and allows for smooth, gliding movement. The patella (kneecap) is a small bone which runs in a groove on the femur. The function and stability of the knee depends on muscles and ligaments. Flexion (bending) and extension (straightening) are the principal movements of the knee. Knee replacement surgery has become more common, due to advances in the types of implants and materials. The operation can greatly improve quality of life because of pain reduction, increased mobility and the correction of deformity.

What does a Knee Replacement entail?

You will be seen by the surgeon before the operation. They will take this opportunity to draw (mark with a pen) on your leg. This is to make sure the correct leg is operated on. If you have any questions, this might be a good time to ask them.

An anaesthetic will be administered in theatre. This may be a general anaesthetic (where you will be asleep) or a local block (e.g. where you are awake but the area to be operated is completely numbed). You must discuss this with the anaesthetist.

A tight inflatable band (a tourniquet) may be placed across the top of the thigh to limit the bleeding. Your skin will be cleaned with anti-septic solution and covered with clean towels (drapes). The surgeon will make an incision (a cut) down the middle of the knee. The knee capsule (the tough, gristle-like tissue around the knee) which is then visible can be cut and the knee cap (patella) pushed to one side. From here, the surgeon can trim the ends of the thigh bone (femur) and leg bone (tibia) using a special bone saw. Some surgeons also remove the underside of the knee cap.

Using measuring devices, the new artificial knee joints are fitted into position. The implants have an outer alloy metal casing with a “polyethylene” bearing which sits on the tibia. A polyethylene button is sometimes placed on the underside of the knee cap.

Objectives of a Knee Replacement

The objective of knee replacement surgery is to improve quality of life. It has a high success rate and dramatically improves the quality of life by reducing pain, improving mobility and correcting deformities.

Related Advice Articles

When is a Knee Replacement needed?

When is a Knee Replacement needed?

The most common cause of joint problems is arthritis. There are other causes such as congenital abnormalities and deformities due to accidents.

How to recover following Knee Surgery

How to recover following Knee Surgery

When the procedure has been completed you will be moved into the Post Operative Care Unit (Recovery Ward), where the nurses will monitor your blood pressure and heart rate, and control any pain you have by medication prescribed by the anaesthetist.

Common questions relating to Knee Surgery

Common questions relating to Knee Surgery

This article describes common questions relating to Knee Surgery, e.g.: Stay in Hospital time, Belongings to take etc.

How to prepare for Knee Surgery

How to prepare for Knee Surgery

Once the decision has been made to have a knee replacement you will need to attend a pre-operative assessment clinic. Here a registered nurse will give you information about what to expect during your stay in hospital. She will carry out blood tests and/or an ECG and may send you for X-rays.

An overview of the Knee

An overview of the Knee

The knee is a hinge joint responsible for movement, stability, absorbing shock and weight bearing. Knee injuries are common and can be from muscle imbalance, sports injuries, or degenerative disease.

Bringing healthcare closer to where you live.

One Health Group utilises specialist consultants and healthcare managers working together to provide the best possible diagnosis and treatment for our patients.