Knee Replacement (Prosthesis)

Overview

An artificial knee joint has metal caps for the thighbone and shinbone, and high-density plastic to replace damaged cartilage. Each of these artificial parts is called a prosthesis. Knee replacement surgery replaces parts of injured or worn-out knee joints.

The four main types of knee replacement surgery are:

• total knee replacement.

• unicompartmental (partial) knee replacement.

• kneecap replacement (patellofemoral arthroplasty)

• complex or revision knee replacement.