Total Knee Replacement
The Procedure
During a knee replacement, an incision is made over the front of the knee to reveal the parts that are worn out from the arthritis — the end of the thigh bone (femur), the top of the shin bone (tibia), and the kneecap (patella). The arthritic parts are removed using specialized instruments.
Once the correct implants are determined, the first part of the prosthesis is placed on the top of the shin bone. The second part of the prosthesis is then secured to the end of the thigh bone. If the kneecap is severely worn out, it will be replaced as well with a plastic button. If the kneecap cartilage is in good shape, it will be left in order to preserve as much as possible of the patient’s good anatomy. Lastly, a plastic liner is snapped into place between the thigh bone and shin bone components so the knee will glide smoothly.
Dr. Popa uses a muscle-sparing subvastus approach when appropriate for a patient. He also incorporates computer navigation for each knee replacement to ensure the accuracy of the position and size of the implants for each patient’s individual knee. Dr. Popa utilizes either the Smith and Nephew CORI navigation system or the Stryker Mako robotic system depending on the facility where the surgery is performed.
Should I think about knee replacement?
You might benefit from knee replacement surgery if:
Your knee has been damaged by arthritis or a past injury.
You have bad knee pain that gets in the way of daily life.
Rest, medications, braces, exercises and physical therapy, and injections have not helped your knee pain sufficiently.
You want to recover mobility and improve your quality of life.