Service

Knee joint replacement

Duration of healing: 3-6 months

The price includes:

Three nights in the clinic, meals, blood tests, anesthesia, postoperative care, personal hygiene products, medications, initial rehabilitation, crutches

What is knee replacement?

Primary replacement of the knee joint (endoprosthesis) is an operation during which the worn articular surfaces are removed and mechanical implants are implanted in their place - an artificial joint. Usually, a knee joint endoprosthesis consists of three parts: femoral and tibial parts-components, and between them an especially high molecular weight polyethylene insert is implanted, imitating articular cartilage and allowing for movement.

During knee arthroplasty, implants are usually fixed to the bone with cement, and can be of various types. The type of implant used is selected by the operating orthopedic traumatologist, taking into account the individual anatomical parameters of the patients - the quality of the bone, the degree of osteoporosis and the patient's level of activity. Knee replacement helps to fully restore mobility, relieve pain and improve quality of life.

Who is knee replacement performed for?

This operation is performed safely and effectively on people of all ages. Before prescribing hip arthroplasty, it is very important to thoroughly assess a person's level of physical activity, radiological changes and bone quality, general physical health and identify risk factors that may influence the results of surgical treatment.

How to prepare for the procedure?

This is a surgical procedure that usually involves the use of regional anesthesia. Before the operation, it is recommended to give up bad habits, because alcohol and tobacco can affect the body's recovery and healing. Targeted consultation of a rehabilitator or physiotherapist regarding physical preparation before and after surgery. General health examinations are recommended before surgery.

How is knee replacement performed?

During this procedure, the entire knee joint or the damaged part of it is replaced: the cartilage of the joint and the worn surfaces of the bones. For their replacement, high-quality and durable implants are used, made of different metal alloys and ultra-high molecular weight, particularly wear-resistant plastic. The required type of implant is selected by the operating orthopedic traumatologist, taking into account the individual anatomical parameters of the patients - the quality of the bone, the degree of osteoporosis and the patient's activity level.

Knee replacement is performed under spinal or general anesthesia after making a 12-15 cm straight skin incision in the front part of the knee. During the operation, the worn surfaces of the joints are removed and implants of the appropriate size are implanted in their place. These are usually fixed to the bone with a special bone cement, or fixation without the use of cement can be chosen.

Timely endoprosthesis of the knee joint helps to fully restore mobility, relieve pain and improve the quality of life.

Postoperative period and healing

Special care

After the operation, most patients feel swelling of the operated area, numbness in the outer part of the knee, stiffness and general discomfort during the healing period of the surgical wound and the box. This is a normal postoperative phenomenon. You can relieve these unpleasant sensations with medications prescribed by your doctor.

2-3 months swelling of the operated knee joint occurs some time after the operation. The leg should be kept elevated above the level of the heart with a pillow or other support placed at the calf or ankle. Ice effectively suppresses the swelling of the operated area (it cannot be applied directly to the skin, ice should be wrapped in a clean cloth and a bag so that the condensate does not wet the postoperative wounds). For best results, keep ice wrapped in a cloth/bag for 20 minutes, 3-4 times a day.

Also, don't forget to bandage the wound regularly.

Healing

After the operation, many patients have to use crutches for 6-8 weeks, after which aids in movement become unnecessary. Healing will require approximately 3 months of physical rehabilitation, which can be continued on an outpatient basis to achieve the full effect of the treatment.

Scarring

During knee arthroplasty, a 12-15 cm incision is made, and a scar is formed as it heals. Its size, color, texture and general healing are different and depend on the patient's general condition and reaction to the injury.

By using the preparations individually prescribed for you and following all post-operative instructions, the scar will become less noticeable over time.