A total knee is also known as a total knee replacement or knee arthroplasty. It's a surgical procedure that replaces a damaged knee joint with an artificial joint, also known as a prosthesis.
The artificial parts in a total knee replacement include:
- A metal component that replaces the lower end of the femur (thigh bone)
- A plastic component that replaces the cartilage on the kneecap (patella)
- A metal component that replaces the top part of the tibia (shin bone)
These artificial parts are designed to mimic the natural movement of the knee joint, allowing for less pain and increased mobility.
