A Total Knee Replacement (TKR) or Total Knee Arthroplasty is a surgery that replaces an arthritic knee joint with artificial metal and plastic replacement parts.
The procedure is usually recommended for patients who suffer from pain and loss of function from arthritis and have failed other conservative methods of therapy. Although typically in older patients it can sometimes be indicated in young patients with severe symptoms.
The typical knee replacement replaces the ends of the femur (thigh bone) and tibia (leg bone) with metal components and a plastic insert between them, and usually the patella (knee cap) is resurfaced with a plastic button.
When the arthritis is limited to one part of the knee a partial knee replacement may be indicated. These will enable better function and quicker recovery but are only suitable for some patients. Your surgeon will advise you of which type of knee replacement is most appropriate for you.
