knee replacement, the surgical insertion of a hinged prosthesis performed to relieve pain and restore motion to a knee severely affected by osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or trauma. With the patient under general or spinal anesthesia, the diseased surfaces are removed and tricompartmental implants are inserted to replace the opposing femorotibial joint and the patellofemoral joint. Physical therapy is prescribed after surgery. Possible complications include infection, hemorrhage, fat embolism, thrombophlebitis, peroneal nerve palsy, loosening of the prosthesis, and flexion contractures. To prevent contractures, the knee is immobilized. The mobility and range of motion of the joint increase slowly. Compare arthroplasty, hip replacement.
