Health Bud

A total knee replacement is performed when the joint becomes destroyed and is no longer able to function.  A normal knee is a hinge which provides motion at the point where the thigh meets the lower leg.   In a total knee replacement the end of the thigh bone is removed and replaced with a metal shell.  A plastic piece with a metal stem also replaces the individual or one of the posterior cruciate ligaments usually stabilizes the side of the knee joint.  During total knee replacement surgery, it is retained, sacrificed, or substituted.