Knee Replacement

Total Knee Replacement in India

How the knee replacement is performed, What happens during knee replacement surgery?
When a knee replacement is performed, the bone and cartilage on the end of the thigh bone (femur) and top of the shin bone (tibia) are removed. This is performed using precise instruments to create exact surfaces to accommodate the implant. A metal and plastic knee replacement implant is then placed to function as a new knee joint. Depending on the condition of the cartilage on the undersurface of the kneecap, this may also be replaced.


Selecting the Type of Knee Replacement Implant :

Different companies manufacture different types of knee replacement implants. Your doctor will select a particular implant for your knee replacement. There are two basic types of implants:

- Cemented Knee Replacements :

The most commonly used knee replacements are cemented into the bone. Cemented implants fit very nicely into position, and are immediately solidly fixed into the bone.

- Press-Fit Knee Replacements :

Press-fit implants are designed with a rough surface that bone can grow into. Over time the surrounding bone grows into the implant holding it solidly in position.

What is the knee replacement implant made of?

There are four parts to most knee replacements. The components are:

- Femoral Component
Fits on the end of the thigh bone, made of metal.

- Tibial Component
Fits on top of the shin bone, usually made of metal.

- Patellar Component
Replaces the cartilage on the undersurface of the kneecap, made of plastic.

- Plastic Insert
Fits between the femoral and tibial components. The metal used is usually Cobalt-Chrome, and the plastic is polyethylene. There are variations to this standard type of implant. New metals are being tested to improve the results of the press-fit implants. Also, some surgeons use a plastic insert that combines the tibial component and plastic insert (a so-called 'all-poly' tibial insert). You can discuss the specific implant with your doctor.

What is a rotating knee replacement?
Rotating knee replacements have been advertised recently on TV and in magazines. These implants are designed to more closely replicate normal knee motion. Unfortunately, the rotating knee replacements have not been shown to increase the longevity of the implant. Studies are currently taking place to determine if these rotating knee replacements may be better than standard knee replacements.

How long does it take to perform a knee replacement?
Knee replacement surgery itself takes about 90 minutes, but time in the operating room is longer. You are left with about an eight inch incision over the front of the knee. The incision is most commonly closed with metal clips called 'staples.' These clips remain in the skin for about two weeks and are then removed in the office. Removal of the metal clips is almost pain-free.