Total knee replacement is a procedure utilized to resurface an arthritic knee joint. Unlike total hip replacement, where a large segment of bone is removed, in total knee replacement it is simply the arthritic surfaces of the bone that are trimmed and then resurfaced with metal and plastic parts. In that regard, this is very similar to placing a crown upon a tooth which is a common procedure in dentistry.
In total knee replacement, the ligaments that join between the femur and the tibia on the outer portions are maintained. The cruciate ligaments that reside within the middle of the knee, however, may be removed based upon the type of arthroplasty selected by the surgeon. Total knee replacement is very effective at straightening a deformed knee and relieving pain and restoring good functional ambulation.
After total knee replacement, patients can walk, hike,
climb, cycle, and swim normally. There may be after heavy activities a
mild degree of swelling or ache within the knee. It is also common that
after knee replacement surgery the patient may notice occasional clicks or a
tapping sensation from within the arthroplasty. This is not uncommon and
usually does not result in any pain. The reason these sounds or sensations
develop is that at the time of surgery some degree of laxity between the femoral
and tibial components needs to be maintained. If the ligaments are too
tight, then the knee becomes quite painful and will not move properly.
These sensations are usually easily adapted to and result in no long term
complications.
