Total knee Replacement is a procedure carried out when the cartilage at the end of thigh bone(femur) and shin bone(tibia) are worn out to a stage where they cannot be repaired (advanced osteoarthritis ) .

These worn out ends are resurfaced with a metal prosthesis. So the term total knee replacement is actually a misnomer as the worn ends are resurfaced with metal and not replaced. The bone ends are fashioned with the help of special bone cutting jigs and the prosthesis is fixed to the ends with the help of bone cement. A highly cross linked polyethylene insert is placed within the ends of prosthesis which acts as a bearing.

If you have severe knee pain that limits your everyday activities like walking, climbing or coming down the stairs, getting in and out of chairs or you use a stick/walker for walking. If you are taking medications for pain relief on a regular basis .You may require a total knee replacement.

Usually old patients, above 60, develop osteoarthritis leading to narrowing of the joint gap and resultant pain. Some patients may even develop arthritis even in their thirties, especially those who had their knee joints damaged secondary to trauma or rheumatoid arthritis. There is no upper age for surgery.

Post operative xrays after bilateral total knee replacement and very good flexion after high flexion total knee replacement.