Joint Replacement Surgery
Knee replacement surgery
Knee replacement surgery is really a cartilage replacement. The knee itself
is not replaced, only the cartilage on the ends of the bones. Knee replacement
implants include a metal alloy on the bottom of the thighbone and polyethylene
(plastic) on the top of the tibia and underneath the kneecap. The implant
is designed to create a new, smoothly functioning joint that prevents painful
bone-on-bone contact. Your surgeon may elect to replace all or part of your
knee, depending on your condition and the extent to which your knee is affected
by arthritis.
Total Knee replacementThe articular surface of the knee, where the joint
motion occurs, relies on polyethylene to reduce friction and allow motion.
Polyethylene components for the knee are manufactured in one of two ways:
direct compression molding (DCM) or machined from bar stock. The vast majority
of Biomet’s polyethylene components for the knee are direct compression
molded.Unlike machining, direct compression molding does not tear at the
polyethylene. The machining process can result in areas of high stress,
which may over time lead to breakdown of the polyethylene. Direct compression
molding greatly reduces these high stress areas, thus creating a potentially
more durable component.
Partial Knee Replacement
In patients with only limited knee arthritis, surgeons may elect to perform
a unicompartmental (partial) knee replacement. Unlike total knee replacement
involving removal of all the knee joint surfaces, a unicompartmental knee
replacement replaces only one side of the knee joint. Knee osteoarthritis
usually occurs first in the medial (inside) compartment as this side of
the knee bears most of the weight. In knees that are otherwise healthy,
a unicompartmental approach allows the outer compartment and all ligaments
to remain intact. By retaining all of the undamaged parts, the joint may
bend better and function more naturally.
Knee Replacement Surgery, Medical Trip India Query Form
