What is a total knee replacement, and how is it performed?

The knee is the largest joint in the body and carries almost half of your weight. In a healthy knee, the joint is lined with cartilage, acting as a cushion and a smooth surface for easy movement. Arthritis destroys the cartilage, and also alters the bone surfaces and ligaments in the knee, making movement difficult and painful. The decision to proceed with knee replacement surgery is yours and does not need to be rushed. During the surgery, surgical instruments are used to resurface the ends of the femur and tibia. The knee cap (patella) may or may not be relined. This is done after making a vertical incision over the front of the knee to gain access to the joint surfaces. There are numerous tools including computer navigation, robotics and patient specific instrumentation to assist in the accuracy of your knee replacement.