Total Knee Replacement and Imaging.

Total knee replacement (total knee arthroplasty) is performed to restore function and relieve pain in patients with severely damaged knees. The surgery involves replacement of both the medial and lateral femorotibial joints and the patellofemoral joint. Although total knee replacement is an effective treatment, postoperative complications include blood clots, infection, and loosening or malalignment of the prosthetic component. Medical imaging plays a critical role in preoperative evaluation, surgical planning, and followup.