The knee prosthesis

Knee replacement is the only possible treatment for advanced joint degeneration.

This involves the surgical replacement of the articular surfaces of the femur and tibia with artificial components in order to reproduce all the movements of the arthritic joint as faithfully as possible.

The full prosthesis consists of several components:

Femoral component

The femoral component, which replaces the articular surface of the femur, is inserted in direct contact with the bone after removal of the arthritic cartilage, reproducing the anatomical shape of the femoral condyles.

Tibial component

The tibial component, which replaces the articular surface of the tibial plateau, is attached to the tibia after removal of the articular cartilage.

Tibial insert

The tibial insert is attached to the tibial component and, congruent with the femoral condyles, is articulated with the femoral component.

Patellar component

The patellar component is applied to the articular surface of the patella after removal of the articular cartilage.

Total knee arthroplasty, performed daily in specialized facilities, involves the removal of worn cartilage on the articular surfaces of the femur and tibia by means of techniques to prepare the bone that will house the components and the positioning of the femoral and tibial components on the two surfaces, so that they “cover” the old surface.

The insertion of the tibial insert makes the two surfaces congruent, allowing  the new joint to move.

Total knee replacement is recommended in cases of diffuse joint arthrosis.

If the arthrosis only affects one compartment, in the vast majority of cases the medial compartment, the implantation of a uni-compartmental prosthesis is recommended instead, which onlyreplaces the articular cartilages of the femoral condyle and the corresponding tibial hemiplateau affected by arthrosis.

Normally, at the end of rehabilitation, the patient can carry out most activities of daily living.

The patient will be able to return to a normal sex life and to driving and exercise, provided they take the necessary precautions and follow the therapist’s instructions.

The table below shows the recommended sports activities after total knee replacement.

SPORTS THAT ARE RECOMMENDED AND NOT RECOMMENDED BY THE KNEE SOCIETY

Permitted, recommended
Permitted with prior experience
No consensus
Not permitted, not recommended
Bowling
Rowing
Weightlifting
Basketball
Exercise bike
Ice skating
Baseball
American football
Fencing
Cross-country skiing
Gymnastics
Running
Ballroom dance
Stationary skiing
Handball
Football
Roller skating
Doubles tennis
Hockey
Volleyball
Golf
Horse riding
Climbing
Speed walking
Squash
Shuffleboard
Singles tennis
Road cycling
Fencing
Swimming
Roller skating
Square dancing
Walking
Canoeing
Hiking
Permitted, recommended
Bowling
Exercise bike
Fencing
Ballroom dance
Roller skating
Golf
Speed walking
Shuffleboard
Road cycling
Swimming
Square dancing
Walking
Canoeing
Hiking
Permitted with prior experience
Rowing
Ice skating
Cross-country skiing
Stationary skiing
Doubles tennis
Horse riding
No consensus
Weightlifting
Baseball
Gymnastics
Handball
Hockey
Climbing
Squash
Singles tennis
Fencing
Roller skating
Not permitted, not recommended
Basketball
American football
Running
Football
Volleyball

The information provided is not medical advice, nor is it intended as a substitute for medical advice.  Under no circumstances should this information be a substitute for a consultation, examination or diagnosis given by a doctor.