Total knee replacement is also known as Total Knee Arthroplasty.Knee replacement is indicated when there is severe disabling knee pain, difficulty in walking, climbing stairs. Severe knee deformities also require knee replacement.There are many conditions that can result in pain, deformity and degeneration of the knee joint.
Knee joint has three compartments: Medial, Lateral and Patello femoral compartments. Occasionally only one compartment wears out causing severe pain and deformity. In selective patients with all ligaments of knee intact Unicondylar or unicompartmental knee replacement is indicated.
Patello femoral compartment replacement alone is rarely done. It is done mostly as part of total knee replacement. Worn out knee cap causing pain is removed and replaced with metal and plastic components. After successful surgery patient will be relieved of pain and attain sufficient range of movements at the knee.
When primary knee replacement fails due to infection, instability, fractures around knee, wear of one or more parts or breakage of implants, a second operation is required to replace partial or total knee implants. This procedure is known as revision knee replacement
a new design, called high flexion knees is being commonly used. These allow patients, near complete range of movement at the knee. The patients can sit cross-legged on the bed. It is suitable for patients with slim legs.