Total/Partial Knee Replacement

If your knee has reached the point where you’re in pain even when you’re resting, it may be time to consider total or partial knee replacement. This can happen if you have arthritis, haemophilia, gout, have suffered a knee injury, or are affected by other health issues.

You see, your knee is considered a “hinge” joint because it can bend and straighten like a hinged door. It has an anterior cruciate and posterior cruciate ligament for support, as well as four bones. Your thigh bone, or femur, connects down toward your patella, or knee cap. From here, your lower leg features the tibia and fibula. These bones literally have the ability to roll and glide as your knee bends. It’s really quite complex.

That’s why, if you need knee replacement, you and your surgeon need to find the right solution that will suit you well for years to come.

Depending on your particular case, you could actually have new bone surfaces for the femur, tibia, and patella. The material used to make your implant could be metal alloys, ceramic material, or strong plastic parts.

In addition, there are several manufacturers and more than 150 designs on the market today. This may strike you as overwhelming, however, your surgeon will be there to make recommendations, walk you through your options, and help you pick the best choice for you.

Once your knee replacement is complete, you should be able to count on it lasting for a while. The same factors that affected your natural knee, such as activity level, weight, and general health, will determine the life of your new knee.