http://www.or-live.com/unitedhospital/2152 Buffalo Hospital will host a live webcast of a Total Knee Replacement surgery on Thursday, December 18th. The broadcast can be viewed at www.buffalohospital.org. Dana Harms, MD, board certified orthopedic surgeon, will perform the surgery and David Labadie, MD, board certified orthopedic surgeon, will provide commentary. An artificial joint, made out of alloy and polyethylene (plastic), replaces the damaged knee. Total knee replacement (TKR) surgery may be necessary when knee conditions cause the cartilage to deteriorate to the point where there are no other options to relieve pain. Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and knee joint injury typically create pain that may lead to a TKR. The procedure is very common, with more than 300,000 TKR surgeries being performed every year in the United States. "Patients see their activity level increase quite a bit after a total knee replacement surgery," says Dr. Harms. "The surgery really maximizes knee function by decreasing pain." Generally, a total knee replacement surgery takes about 90 minutes. Patients begin physical therapy the next day and spend about three or four days in the hospital. About Buffalo Hospital Part of Allina Hospitals and Clinics, Buffalo Hospital is a not-for-profit regional medical center committed to providing exceptional care and improving the health of the communities it serves in and around Wright County. Information about Buffalo Hospital’s services, along with the latest health information, can be found online at www.buffalohospital.org.