Your operation
The affected leg will be scrubbed with an antiseptic solution and the rest of the leg surrounding the operated area covered in sterile drapes. The surgeon will make an incision and the knee opened; the muscles and ligaments will be separated to enable access to the joint and bone surfaces.
Using special instrumentation, the damaged surfaces of the femur (thigh bone) and tibia (shin bone) are removed. The lower end of the femur is re-shaped and replaced with a metal surface; the upper end of the tibia is also removed and resurfaced with a flat metal plate. A plastic insert is placed between the two metal components. In a partial or unicompartmental knee replacement, only the damaged half (single compartment) of the femur and tibia will be removed and replaced. In a fixed bearing knee the tibial resurfacing will be combined with the bearing (cartilage replacement). In a total knee procedure, the surgeon may also remove part of the patella or knee cap and replace with a small plastic disc or ‘button’.
The resurfacing prostheses may be fixed using special bone cement. Alternatively ‘cementless’ implants may be used which are ‘press-fit’ into place, with the bone subsequently growing into a special rough, porous coating, holding the new knee securely in position. The type of fixation used will depend on a range of factors including age, required activity levels and the quality of the surrounding bone.
When the surgeon is happy with the position of the implant, the muscles and ligaments are repositioned and the joint capsule sown back together. The incision is closed with stitches or surgical staples and dressings are applied to the wound.
Important: The information and guidance provided here is general in nature and should not be considered as medical advice in any way. You should always seek detailed advice from a qualified medical practitioner.
