What is total knee replacement?
What is total knee replacement?
A total knee replacement is really a bone and cartilage replacement with an artificial surface. The knee itself is not replaced as commonly thought, but rather an implant is inserted on the bone ends. This is done with a metal alloy in the femur (thigh bone) and plastic spacer on the tibia (lower leg bone) and patella (knee cap). This creates a new, smooth cushion and functioning joint that can reduce or eliminate pain.