Knee replacement

Written by Dr Sheila Strover on March 14, 2025

A knee replacement is the operation of replacing some or all of the knee joint with implants of metal and plastic.

Components of a total knee replacement demonstrated on model bones.
Total knee replacement components demonstrated on a model knee joint.
X-ray showing a partial knee replacement
X-ray to show partial knee replacement.

Total versus partial knee replacement

A total knee replacement replaces the whole of the joint surface of the femur and tibia. Often the patellofemoral joint is replaced as well.

In a partial knee replacement only one articular area of the knee is replaced, while the rest of the joint remains intact.

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A-Z Keywords - Total knee replacement, Partial knee replacement, Operating Room Considerations, Materials

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