About one in every 1000 Americans have total knee replacement surgery each year. A little more than a month ago, Michael Tuck was one of them. For several years, Tuck's right knee had been painful and prone to swelling. Recently, he had to give up golf. After sitting for long periods of time, such as during a newscast, those first few steps were especially painful.
Arthritis is the most common cause of joint degeneration.
But in Tuck's case, a genetic blood disorder that leads to excess amounts of iron is probably what disintegrated the cartilage. The operation involves replacing the knee with artificial components. Doctors place two metal caps on the ends of the bones and insert a plastic spacer in between. The surgery takes about two hours. Muscles and tendons are folded away and the knee bones are exposed.