http://lifeinmotion.co.in/ What is Total Knee Replacement? In modern total knee replacement surgery, only the worn out cartilage surfaces of the joint are replaced. The entire knee is not actually replaced. The operation is basically a resurfacing (or “retread”) procedure. On resurfaced area, hip or knee joints made up of specialized alloy metal and ultra high density polyethylene (UHDP) plastic are placed. How do I know that I require a Joint replacement now? When you have any of these symptoms, you should consider joint replacement surgery. * Recurrent pain in joint, which requires regular pain killers or pain not relieved in spite of taking medicines or pain limiting social activities. * Instability or rear of falling down while walking. * Stiffness with loss of range of motion. In short, if quality of your life is compromised due to limitation in joint, then one should think about this surgery seriously. How exactly is the operation (TKR) done? A small incision is applied in front of knee (6-* inch). The knee joint is opened and damaged cartilage and bone are removed. It is replaced with metal surface on Thigh bone and UDHP plastic on leg bone. These surfaces are fixed to bone with bone cement. Muscled and ligaments are stitched back. Operation lasts for 1.5-2.0 hours