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. 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.