Knee Replacement Surgery

Skip Navigation

Knee Replacement Surgery (00:01:27)
Video Transcript

Your knee is a joint that connects the thighbone to the shinbone.

The joint is covered by another bone-the kneecap.

The joint is cushioned and protected by cartilage.

But if you have arthritis, this protective surface breaks down.

As the cartilage breaks down, the bony surfaces of the joint rub against each other, which causes damage and pain.

When this happens, your doctor may recommend surgery to replace the damaged parts of your knee with new metal and plastic parts.

You'll most likely be asleep for the surgery, so you won't feel any pain.

Here's how knee replacement surgery is done ...

The damaged cartilage and bone at the end of the thighbone is removed.

Then a metal cap is placed at the end of the bone.

The damaged cartilage and bone on the top of the shinbone is removed, and a metal plate is placed into the bone.

The metal plate has a plastic liner on top that helps the joint move easily.

The damaged cartilage and bone may also be removed from the back of the kneecap and replaced by a metal plate and plastic liner.

All these pieces are made to work together like a normal knee joint.

Current as of: July 31, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Current as of: July 31, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.