Knee Joint Replacement

BruceBlaus, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Knee joint replacement surgery is often recommended when knee or leg pain severely limits daily activities and x-rays reveal irregular surfaces in the knee joint. Total Knee Replacement (TKR) or Total Knee Arthroplasty involves replacing the damaged parts of the knee with artificial components, known as prostheses, made of metal or plastic.

This procedure is generally advised for older adults suffering from arthritis-related pain and functional impairment that has not improved with other conservative treatments. During the surgery, the ends of the bones forming the knee joint are removed and replaced with prosthetic parts. These parts are made from metal and highly durable plastic. They may be secured in place using special bone cement or designed with a porous surface that allows bone growth for a secure fit.