Total knee surgery removes the damaged and painful areas of the femur (the thigh bone) and tibia (the lower leg bone). These areas are replaced with specially-designed metal and polyethylene plastic parts.
The damaged bone and cartilage are cut away from the femur. The end of the femur is reshaped to allow a metal femoral component to fit in place.
The metal component is attached to the end of the femur with bone cement.
The surgeon cuts away the damaged bone and cartilage from the tibia. The end of the tibia is reshaped to receive the metal tibial component.
The metal component is secured to the end of the tibia with bone cement.
A polyethylene insert is attached to the metal tibial component. The insert will support the body's weight and allow the femur to glide across the tibia.
The tibia, with its new polyethylene surface, and the femur, with its new metal component, are put together to form the new knee joint.
To make sure the patella (the knee cap) glides smoothly over the new artificial knee, its rear surface is prepared and a polyethylene plastic component is cemented into place.
The new parts of the knee joint are tested by flexing and extending the knee.