Total knee replacement is performed on patients with knee pain, knee instability, knee ligament injury or knee disability that does not respond to nonsurgical treatment and affects the quality of life. Total knee replacement surgery is only considered for people whose knee joints have been damaged in some way, be it progressive arthritis or trauma to the knee joint, which causes uncomfortable pain. In the United States, the most common reason for surgical knee replacement is severe osteoarthritis. This degenerative joint disease is especially common in older people.

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The knee joint is the largest joint in the body. It is the "hinge" joint of the leg. It's the joint that allows the leg to bend and straighten. The knee joint is located at the meeting point of the thigh bone (femur) and the shin bone (tibia). The knee cap (patella) covers the area where the two bones meet. 

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During total knee replacement surgery, the damaged part of your knee is removed and replaced with an implant. Implants are made of various materials such as stainless steel, titanium, chrome, cobalt or polyethylene. Bone cement may also be used in the repair.

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The choice of implants varies from person to person. Factors considered are your age, activity level, body type, and the amount and strength of your bone and bone tissue. Your surgeon will choose the implant that is best suited for your needs and lifestyle.

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During total knee replacement surgery, a relatively thin amount of bone is removed from the end of the thigh bone, the top of the leg bone, and the underside of the kneecap. This creates bone surfaces that allow the implant to have a good fit. Most of the major ligaments and tendons of the knee are left in place so that the knee can bend and straighten, yet remains steady in position from side-to-side and front-to-back. Our expert orthopedic surgeons are committed to performing each surgical knee replacement with precision, ensuring that each procedure is as safe as possible for the patient. 

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Recovery from a knee replacement surgery can be frustrating and slow going. An average hospital stay after total knee replacement is usually between one to three days. Having a knee replacement surgery recovery plan is important to getting you back on your feet after the operation. Physical therapy is a must and usually lasts one to two months after the surgery. Every patient is different, and recovery must be treated on an individual basis based on a patient’s progress. Our expert orthopedic and physical therapy staff is committed to not only help you get back on your feet, but also reach your pre and post-operation goals.