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For Immediate Release

For more information, contact:
Jennifer Cottew, 763-684-6801

   
   

See a total knee replacement surgery online

BUFFALO, Minn. 12/18/2008--

Illustration shows how a knee joint looks before and after total knee replacement surgery.

Understanding your knee

  • The normal knee has four parts: two knuckle-like projections, cartilage and the patella (kneecap).
  • Cysts, bone spurs and loss of cartilage can lead to knee problems.

  • The new knee fits into your thigh bone (femur) and the skin bone (tibia).

Buffalo Hospital hosted a live webcast of a total knee replacement surgery on Thursday, Dec. 18, from noon to 1 p.m. The broadcast has been saved online for viewing at any time.

Dana Harms, MD, board certified orthopedic surgeon, performed the surgery. David Labadie, MD, board certified orthopedic surgeon, provided commentary.

What is total knee replacement surgery?

An artificial joint, made out of alloy and polyethylene (plastic), replaces the damaged knee. Total knee replacement surgery may be necessary when knee conditions cause the cartilage to deteriorate to the point where there are no other options to relieve pain. Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and knee joint injury typically create pain that may lead to a total knee replacement.

The procedure is very common, with more than 300,000 total knee replacement surgeries being performed every year in the United States.

"Patients see their activity level increase quite a bit after a total knee replacement surgery," says Dana Harms, MD, board certified orthopedic surgeon. "The surgery really maximizes knee function by decreasing pain."

Generally, a total knee replacement surgery takes about 90 minutes. Patients begin physical therapy the next day and spend about three or four days in the hospital.

About Buffalo Hospital

Part of Allina Hospitals & Clinics, Buffalo Hospital is a not-for-profit regional medical center committed to providing exceptional care and improving the health of the communities it serves in and around Wright County. Information about Buffalo Hospital's services, along with the latest health information, can be found online at www.buffalohospital.org.

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