Here's view #1 - I call this the "before" and "after" look. YIKES!!! A picture is worth a thousand words! My new left knee (which is on the right of the x-ray) shows exactly how the doctor cut away bone, drilled holes for the new titanium parts and (as my physical terrorist describes....) pound it into place. I now understand why I was black and blue from the back of my thigh all the way to my calf. I am thankful that I was sleeping peacefully through the entire process. The right knee (which is on the left of the xray) is wearing out too. I don't haqve much cartiledge left there either.
View #2 - Alterations to my own knee cap. The doctor explained that he added an inner plastic lining to my own knee cap. This keeps it from wearing out as it rubs against the titanium parts. I also think he replaced my knee cap in the proper position - which was natuarally all wrong from the beginning. I am trying to create new muscle memory with extension and flexation exercises. 
View #3- The "Total" look at my new knee! Better than it ever was before! I am absolutely astonished that my surgeon was able to make all the repairs without cutting any legiaments or tendoins. My incision is about 6 inches long. Wow! Also... if you look very carefully between the upper and lower titanium knee parts you can see the shadow of my new plastic cartiledge disc. Cartiledge is a good thing to have. Since I had none.... and I was bone on bone....
That is the entire reason I needed this new and improved knee. So, I guess... plastic is good!
I am absolutely thankful for the skill and knowledge of doctors. It's true.... they can rebuild me (one part at a time!) Oh boy! Now if I can be ready for phase two. It's supposed to take place on July 13.... but I may have a delay because of the tendonitis in my left foot. It has slowed my healing and walking process down. But.... the doctor says... "Don't worrry. Everything will be fine!"
(So... Steve. Are your getting yourself ready for a new knee too? What a wild adventure it is! LOL)
