What should you know about total knee replacement prosthesis types?

A typical total replacement has a femoral component, a tibial component, and a plastic bearing. The kneecap may be resurfaced. Metal choices can include cobalt-chrome alloy or titanium, while highly cross-linked polyethylene may form the bearing surface. Fixation can use bone cement or a surface intended for bone to grow onto. The right choice depends on bone quality, ligament stability, anatomy, activity, and the surgeon’s assessment.

Bring a list of medicines, previous operations, allergies, and activity goals to your consultation. Ask to see the proposed implant components and learn whether the design preserves or replaces particular ligaments. Plan home support and physiotherapy regardless of the implant type: the prosthesis does not replace the need to rebuild movement, strength, and confidence.

Call your care team about increasing warmth, redness, drainage, fever, or pain around the incision. New calf swelling or persistent wound concerns also deserve prompt advice. Sudden breathing difficulty, chest pain, collapse, or a newly cold or numb foot requires urgent medical attention.

Which components are planned, and why? Will fixation use bone cement? What movements and activities will the design support, and how will you monitor the implant during follow-up?