Nicholas A. Abidi, MD describes his techniques during a total knee replacement. The femoral, or ... read more ↘ thighbone, component is made of metal (chromium-cobalt) and covers the lower end of the thighbone. It may be cemented to the bone or, for some implants, inserted without cement so that the patient’s tissues grow into the porous coating of the device. This natural bond between the patient’s tissue and the implant is called “biological fixation.”
The tibia, or shin bone, component is often called a “tray” and is typically made of metal (titanium or chromium-cobalt), and a plastic cushion, or bearing. The tibial component may be secured with cement or by biological fixation. The metal forms the base of this component, while the plastic (ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene) is attached to the top of the metal to serve as a bearing. This bearing creates a smooth gliding surface between the metal of the thigh and shin components.
The patella, or knee cap, component is made of either of plastic (polyethylene), or of a combination of plastic and metal. Again, this component may be fixed with or without cement.
