Knee Surgery Terms

Menisectomy

Surgery that results in the removal of the meniscus, or cartilage, of the knee. This is typically performed arthroscopic ally, or through small holes instead of a large surgical incision

Intramedullary Canal

The canal that runs up the center of the femur

Medial Compartment

The joint on the inner, or the medial, side of the knee

Lateral Compartment

The joint on the outer, or lateral side, of the knee

Patello Femoral Joint

The joint under the kneecap, or patella

Patella

The kneecap; A flat triangular bone located at the front of the knee joint

Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL)

The ligament located just behind the anterior cruciate ligament. It limits the backward motion of the tibia

Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL)

The ligament that connects to the femur at the center of the knee. Its function is to limit rotation and forward motion of the tibia

Osteoarthritis

The most common type of arthritis affecting the knee. It is a chronic disease and is characterized by the destruction of cartilage, overgrowth of bone, bone spur formation and impaired function. This type of arthritis occurs when bone rubs against bone and occurs in most people as they age.

Hamstring muscles

The muscle group located on the back of the thighs; they allow the knee to flex; the thigh to extend and the leg to be drawn inward.

Articular Cartilage

The specific cartilage that covers the moving surfaces inside the knee such as the tibia and the femur, as well as the underside of the patella

Medial

closer to the midline of the body (near the middle)

Primary Total Knee Replacement

A "primary" Total Knee Replacement refers to the first time a patient receives a knee replacement. The surgeon alters the femur, tibia, and patella and fits those bones with prosthetic components.

Long Bone X-Ray

A combination of three separate x-rays to produce one image of the legs

Arthroscopy

A minimally invasive surgery to repair or remove soft tissues of the knee, such as the Anterior Cruciate Ligament or the meniscus

Pulse Oximeter

A probe placed on a patient's finger that measures the oxygen saturation level in his/her blood

Condyle

A rounded projection at the end of a bone that anchors muscle ligaments and articulates with adjacent bones

Cartilage

A smooth material that covers bone ends at a joint to cushion the bone and allow the joint to move easily without pain

Rake

A soft tissue retractor

Post Traumatic Arthritis

A sub-classification of osteoarthritis

Revision Surgery

A surgery that replaces the knee components or corrects problems from previous total knee replacement surgeries

Bone Spurs

Abnormal projections of bone, also known as osteophytes. Usually caused by increased stress on the ends of the bones

Osteophytes

Abnormal projections of the bone, also known as bone spurs. Usually caused by increased stress on the ends of the bones

Resident, Orthopedic Resident

After completing four years of medical school, doctors-in-training have a period of residency, or learning on the job. The residency can last from 4 to 7 years, and individuals at this stage of training are known as residents.

Valgus

An abnormal position in which part of a limb is twisted outward away from the mid line, opposite of varus. Also known as knock-knee

Prosthesis (prostheses)

An artificial body part designed to supplement or replace natural parts. In total knee replacement, the prosthetic componets replace the ends of the tibia and femur, the underside of the patella and compensate for cartilage and some ligaments

Rheumatoid Arthritis

An inflammatory disease that involves the lining of the joint (synovium) The inflammation generally affects the joint in the hands and feet and tends to occur equally on both sides. Over time, cartilage and bone becomes eroded and the joints become deformed

Patella Femoral Arthritis

Arthritis that is primarily focused around the kneecap (patella) and femur (thigh bone)

Retractor

Assists in holding the soft tissue away from the bone

Osteotomes

Chisels for the bone

posterior

Closer to or at the back of the body

Anterior

Closer to the front of the body

Malleoli

Either of the two rounded protuberances on each side of the ankle, the inner formed by a projection of the tibia and the outer by a projection of the fibula

Ligaments

Elastic bands of tissue that connect bone to bone

Lateral

Farther from the midline of the body (near the side)

Glucosamine/Chondroitin

Glucosamine is a dietary supplement that helps to grow and repair cartilage. Chondroitin helps cartilage maintain elasticity

Hyaluronic Acid Injections

Hyaluronic Acid is found in the fluid in your joints and helps to protect them from wear. Osteoarthritis can cause the hyaluronic acid to get thinner, which means it doesn't protect the joint well. Injections can put more H acid into your knee joint and help protect it more.

Antibiotic Cement Spacer

In the event a patient has a severe infection in the knee after a total knee replacement, an antibiotic cement spacer will be placed in the knee (after the old prosthetics are removed) until the infection is healed and a new prosthetic can be inserted. The cement spacer is constructed of the same material as the cement used to hold the prosthetic components in place

Steroid Injections

Injections of corticosteriod directly into the knee can often produce pain relief for those suffering from osteoarthritis. Corticosteriods reduce inflammation at the area of the injection for days or weeks at a time

Collateral Ligaments

Ligaments that run along the sides of the knee and limit sideways motion

Meniscus

Pads of cartilage that further cushion a joint, acting as a shock absorber between two bones. Meniscus can be found on both the lateral (side) and medial (near the middle) side of the knee joint

Quadricep Muscles

The muscle group located on the front of the thighs; they extend the legs

Fibula

The outer and thinner of the two bones of the human leg between the knee and the ankle

Medial Parapatellar Retinaculum

The sleeve of tissue medial (midline) to the patella (kneecap) This is a continuation of the extensor mechanism (quadriceps and patellar tendon)

Femur

The thigh bone or upper leg bone

Patellar Ligament

This ligament helps secure the patella over the front of the knee joint

Synovial Membrane

This membrane produces lubricating fluid (synovial fluid), which contributes to the smooth movement of the knee

Ronguers

Used for grasping bone and soft tissue

Saw

Used in conjunction with the cutting blocks and cutting jigs to create proper alignment for the component

Drill

Used in conjunction with the cutting blocks and cutting jigs to create proper alignment for the proper components

Laminar Spreader

Used to speak two objects apart

Tendons

tough cords of tissue that connect muscles to bone

Mallet

used to ensure components are securely in place