Total knee replacement involves replacing a severely damaged joint with a metal and plastic implant (prosthesis). There are three basic parts to knee prosthesis:
1. Femoral component – attaches to the bottom of the thighbone (metal)
2. Tibial component – attaches to the top of the shin bone (metal)
3. Plastic component – spacer locks into the top of tibial component (plastic)
A fourth part, the patella component can be implanted to the underside of patella (plastic), if needed.
Your orthopedic surgeon will select the type of prosthesis and its method of insertion into your bone based on your age, bone density, medications and specific shape of your bones.
