Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the structures that connect femur and tibia bones together in the knee joint. This ligament has a very important role in normal function of the knee, and it is the most important structure that prevent forward displacement of the tibia.
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the structures that connect femur and tibia bones together in the knee joint. This ligament has a very important role in normal function of the knee, and it is the most important structure that prevent forward displacement of the tibia.
How is total knee prosthesis implanted ?
Following proper anesthesia, an incision is made to the front side of the knee to reach knee joint. The worn cartilage tissue covering the contact surfaces of the three bones that contribute the joint is excised along with a thin layer of underlying bone tissue. Then, parts of the prosthesis in appropriate size are attached to the bone surfaces using a filling material called bone cement (polymethyl methacrylate).
Thus, joint surfaces are covered with parts made of metal and plastic. The operation lasts about 1-2 hours. After the operation, pain control is often achieved with pain pumps which administer analgesic via epidural (from lower back) or intravenous route. You may be discharged from the hospital once you are able to walk freely. This takes about 3 to 7 days, greatly varying between patients.
