Primary Total Knee Replacement
Anatomy of the Knee
 |
|
| Anatomy of the Knee |
The knee is comprised of three bones:
- Femur (thigh bone)
- Tibia (lower leg bone)
- Patella (kneecap)
Primary total knee replacement is a surgical procedure that resurfaces the inside of the knee with metal and plastic. The knee prosthesis used in this procedure are made of metal, cobalt/chrome and a plastic called polyethylene.
The surgery involves an incision down the middle of the knee. The capsule (covering) of the knee is opened exposing the diseased cartilage and bone. Using special jigs, the surface of the knee containing the diseased tissue is removed. The artificial joint is then attached to the prepared bone using a special cement.
|
