An overview of TKA
TKA is performed with the patient in the supine position, using general, spinal, or epidural anesthesia.1 The procedure is done in four basic steps:
1. Damaged cartilage surfaces at the ends of the femur, tibia and patella, as well as a small amount of underlying bone, are removed using alignment devices for exact bone removal.
2. Titanium components are added that recreate the surface of the joint. They’re cemented or “press-fit” (noncemented) into the bone.
3. Depending on the surgeon and the patient’s condition, the undersurface of the patella is cut and resurfaced with a plastic button.
4. A plastic spacer is inserted between the metal components to create a smooth gliding surface