Two of our physicians discuss TOP patient questions: Do I really need a knee replacement?

I didn't like the idea of having my knee removed plus I don't like surgeries and I hate being put under anesthesia. That's why I put it off—I was really scared. 

The knee is the largest joint in the body made up of the lower end of the thigh bone (femur), the upper end of the shinbone (tibia), and the kneecap (patella). The ends of these three bones are covered with cartilage to protect the bones and enable them to move smoothly within the joint. In a knee replacement surgery we remove the damaged cartilage and a small amount of bone. We go through the front of the knee to put in a combination of metal and plastic to make up for the damaged cartilage. Once we get those components in place, the knee moves smoothly similar to how a regular knee would.