Total Knee Replacement (Wright)

Overview

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.

Damaged Bone Removed

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.

Metal Component Attached

The metal component is attached to the end of the femur with bone cement.

Tibia Reshaped

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.

Tibial Component Attached

The metal component is secured to the end of the tibia with bone cement.

Plastic Insert Attached

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.

New Joint Formed

The tibia, with its new polyethylene surface, and the femur, with its new metal component, are put together to form the new knee joint.

Patella Resurfaced

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.

End of Procedure

The new parts of the knee joint are tested by flexing and extending the knee.

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.