Knee replacement surgeryTypical patient has severe knee osteoarthritis.

Knee prosthesis. Steel femoral component. Polyethylene tibial articulating surface. Steel tibial base plate with stem. Polyethylene patellar articulating surface.http://www.zimmer.com/z/ctl/op/global/action/1/id/8138/template/PChttp://www.orthop.washington.edu/PatientCare/OurServices/HipandKnee/Articles/KneeArthritis.aspx

Top left: Tibial stem and femoral cam take the place of the PCL (which is removed during the procedure) in preventing excessive forward movement of the femur on the tibia. This is called a posterior-stabilized design.

Total knee arthroplasty videoClear video of key points of procedure from beginning to end. Anterior (not minimally invasive) approach. Note longitudinal cut into medial part of quadriceps tendon to allow lateral displacement and reflection of patella. Underlying (cartilage-covered) portion of patella removed by “freehand” sawing at 2:40. View of distal femur at 3:25 is possible because knee is dislocated. Quadriceps tendon is sutured around 9:40. Orientation: left knee, top of frame = superior, left of frame = medial.Terms: knee arthroplasty, varus deformity, bovie, valgus.

Minimally invasive surgery videosVideo 1: Good explanation of minimally-invasive vs. traditional surgery. Good radiographs and explanations of normal, arthritic, and post-replacement knees. No gore. See 4:40-13:10 (8:30 total).Video 2: In the OR. Shows portions of minimally invasive procedure. 3:35-4:12, 4:57-6:25, 6:54-7:14, 7:54-8:30. Note how femoral cutting jig is mounted on medial, not anterior, aspect of femur.