When nonoperative measures (i.e., medications, injections, physical therapy, braces) no longer provide adequate pain relief for knee arthritis, a patient may be a candidate for knee replacement. Knee replacement is a surgery that resurfaces an arthritic joint with metal and plastic parts. The surgeon removes damaged cartilage and bone of the knee joint and then shapes the bones to receive both a tibial and femoral component. A plastic (polyethylene) liner is attached to the tibial component so that the new bearing surface is metal on plastic. Typically, the patella (or kneecap) is also resurfaced with a plastic button as well. These components are generally attached to the bone with bone cement, but press-fit or cementless components are also becoming another option to consider. The patient then begins the rehabilitation process by working on regaining range of motion and strength in the knee. Formal physical therapy is a significant step, but doing these exercises at home is also crucial.
