Strong Knees for A Stronger You
- The patient is given either general anaesthesia or spinal/epidural anaesthesia (numbs just the lower body).
- A small incision (6-10 inches) is made over the knee to expose the joint.
- The surgeon removes damaged cartilage and bone from the surfaces of the femur (thigh bone) and tibia (shin bone).
- Metal components are fitted onto the ends of the femur and tibia to recreate the joint surfaces. The prosthesis is typically made of metal and plastic.
- The back surface of the kneecap (patella) may also be replaced with a plastic component if necessary.
- A medical-grade plastic spacer is placed between the metal components to ensure smooth movement of the joint.
- The surgeon closes the incision using stitches or staples, and a sterile bandage is applied.
- After surgery, the patient is taken to a recovery room, followed by a rehabilitation program, including physical therapy to restore mobility and strength.
The Total Knee Replacement surgery generally takes about 1-2 hours, depending on the complexity of the surgery.
