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.
Doctors use metal guides and a jigsaw to cut and shape the bones to exact measurements.
The metal knee is fitted to the bone and fastened in place with heavy-duty cement. Pain is mostly controlled by medication and patients are back on their feet again the day after surgery. Tuck returned home from the hospital just three days after the operation. About three weeks following the surgery, physical therapy begins to help the knee regain a full range of motion. There is some discomfort during recovery, but Tuck says his knee is already feeling better than it did before the surgery.