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Total Knee Replacement Surgery
Total Knee Replacement SurgeryKnee replacement surgery can ease pain and get you back to your daily activities. Your knee joint is made upof your thigh bone, or femur; your shin bone or tibia; and your kneecap, or patella. During this procedure,your surgeon replaces parts of these bones with a metal and plastic implant.You will first be given anesthesia. This medicine will help you relax and not feel pain. You may fall asleep. Yoursurgeon will then make an incision, or cut, in your knee.In traditional knee replacement, the cut is 8 to 10 inches long. During minimally invasive surgery, a smaller cutof about 4 to 6 inches is made. You and your surgeon will decide on the best approach for you.Now able to see your knee joint, your surgeon will remove the damaged cartilage and bone from the ends ofyour thigh and shin bones. They may also smooth out the underside of your kneecap.You are now ready for your implant. Your surgeon will place a metal cap on the end of your thigh bone. Theywill place another metal cap on the end of your shin bone. Bone cement may be used to hold the caps inplace.A plastic spacer will be put between the two metal caps. A plastic piece may also be put on the back of yourkneecap. These parts help ease movement.Finally, your surgeon will join all parts of the implant together, making a new healthy knee joint.After surgery, your care team will put together an exercise rehab plan to help you fully recover.Page 1 ofThis program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness,or suitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.© The Wellness Network
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