Total knee replacement surgery involves minimal bone removal, with surgeons removing only 5-10 millimeters of damaged bone from the joint surfaces of the femur, tibia, and patella. This conservative approach preserves healthy bone while creating space for artificial components made of metal and plastic. The procedure is more accurately described as surface replacement rather than total bone removal, as advanced surgical techniques ensure only damaged cartilage and minimal bone are taken away. Factors determining bone removal include joint damage severity, implant type, and patient bone density, while benefits of controlled bone removal include enhanced prosthetic fit, preserved bone health, and better recovery outcomes. Modern knee replacement surgery provides excellent long-term results with implants lasting 15-20 years, restored mobility, and significant pain relief for patients suffering from arthritis and other degenerative joint conditions.
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During total knee replacement surgery, orthopedic surgeons strategically manage knee ligaments to optimize implant placement and long-term stability: the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is routinely removed due to pre-existing arthritis damage and to allow proper implant positioning, while the medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) is typically released but may be repaired or reconstructed if patellar instability is present. The posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) fate depends on implant design - it's preserved in cruciate-retaining implants but removed in posterior-stabilized designs, with both approaches showing similar long-term outcomes. The medial and lateral collateral ligaments are carefully preserved and balanced during surgery to maintain essential side-to-side knee stability, while the menisci are removed and replaced by the implant's plastic spacer component, ensuring patients receive optimal biomechanics and stability from their total knee arthroplasty procedure.
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3000 Edward Curd Ln.
Franklin, TN 37067
