"What’s New in Knee Surgery?" FAQs

What is the difference between a total knee replacement and a minimally invasive total knee replacement?

In recent years, minimally invasive surgery for knee replacement has become generally regarded as a state-of-the-art approach to these common orthopedic procedures. Understandably, patients who read or hear about the advantages of smaller incisions and a speedier recovery are eager to opt for the technique. Even though the technique reduces the size of the incision and minimizes trauma to the soft tissues, arthroplasty, or joint replacement, it still involves cutting of bone, realigning the soft tissue mechanism that supports the joint, and placing the implant.

What do current knee implants consist of?

Implants for a total knee replacement are composed of four parts:

• A metal implant to resurface the end of the femur
• Plastic implants to resurface the top of the tibia
• A plastic implant to resurface the patella
• The implants are then cemented to the bone using acrylic cement in most cases

Current studies indicated about 85% of prostheses will function well for 20 years. If your prosthesis wears out, you may be a candidate for a second knee replacement.

What type of patients are candidates for TKR?

Patients that are candidates for TKR try physical therapy, modified lifestyles, anti-inflammatory drugs, and weight loss. Despite all of this, they have pain which limits their ability to participate in the activities of daily living.