Which term best describes a surgical procedure that replaces the knee joint?

• A. Knee Arthroplasty
• B. Hemiarthroplasty
• C. Total Knee Replacement
• D. Osteotomy

Answer: (C)

Replacing the knee joint involves removing damaged surfaces and restoring function with artificial components. The broad term for any knee joint replacement is knee arthroplasty, but when the goal is to replace all compartments of the knee, the precise term is a total knee replacement. Replacing only part of the joint is called a hemiarthroplasty, and an osteotomy is a bone-cutting procedure to realign the limb rather than replace the joint. So, for a procedure that replaces the entire knee joint, total knee replacement is the most specific and accurate term.