Type of Surgery

Information

Doctor Certified

Last updated: 11/24/2009

Diagnosis/Preparation

Prior to surgery, x rays and other diagnostic tests are done on the knee to determine if removing the kneecap is the appropriate treatment. Preoperative blood and urine tests are also done.

Patients are asked not to eat or drink anything after...

midnight on the night before surgery. On the day of surgery, patients are directed to the hospital or clinic holding area where the final preparations are made. The knee area is usually shaved and the patient is asked to change into a hospital gown and to remove all jewelry, watches, dentures, and glasses.



NEXT:
PREVIOUS:

Advertisement

This narrated 3D animation shows the anatomy of the knee joint and how a knee replacement (artificial knee placement) takes place. The movement of the artificial joint is shown.

Related Videos

How osteoporosis develops

This video shows an animation of the normal anatomy of bone and what occurs to bone that is affected by osteoporosis. It also explains why osteoporosis is more likely in to occur in women and as we age.

Human bones, muscles, skeletal system

This video contains an artist's representation of what bone looks like at the microscopic level. While many think that bone is simply a solid piece of calcium, it is actually a living, changing tissue with blood vessels and various small areas of open space.

How knee arthroscopy is carried out

This animated video not only shows a knee arthroscopy from start to finish, but gives a representation of what the surgeon sees through the tiny camera during arthroscopy. It also provides a view of the anatomy of the knee joint and how it works and moves.

Animation:Knee Surgery

Originally published as a patient activity, this animation describes the step-by-step process involved in knee replacement surgery. It shows many of the considerations that orthopedic surgeons face with an artifical knee surgery.

Search

Other Information

Kneecap removal, or patellectomy, is the surgical removal of the patella, commonly called the kneecap.

Kneecap removal is performed under either general or local anesthesia at a hospital or freestanding surgical center, by an orthopedic surgeon. The surgeon makes an incision around the kneecap. Then, the muscles and tendons attached to the kneecap are cut and the kneecap is removed. Next, the muscles are sewed back together, and the skin is closed with sutures or clips that stay in place about one week. Any hospital stay is generally brief.


From http://www.healthatoz.com/healthatoz/Atoz/common/standard/transform.jsp?requestURI=/healthatoz/Atoz/ency/kneecap_removal.jsp

Other Information

Orthopedic complaints are the most common reason to seek medical care.


From: About.com

Find a Qualified Specialist

Looking for a specialist?

Please enter your zip code.