Treatment guide

Knee Replacement

Knee replacement (knee arthroplasty) procedures are often an effective solution to the pain caused by chronic osteoarthritis along with a host of other musculoskeletal problems. They can also be the only remedy for serious sporting injuries. The operation is invasive but carries a low degree of risk, and most patients referred for knee replacements are over the age of 55.

The content has been reviewed for quality and accuracy to the best of our knowledge by Qunomedical and its Medical Board of Experts.

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★★★★★Gael D., Germany:
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QUICK DETAILS

WHO IS THIS FOR

  • Anyone with swelling and pain in the knee joint which drastically restricts their mobility.

  • People who suffer from chronic osteoarthritis.

  • Sufferers of conditions such as gout, haemophilia or bone dysplasia.

  • People who have sustained a serious knee injury.

  • Knee replacements are generally offered to patients for whom alternative therapies such as physiotherapy or steroid injections have been ruled out as options.

RECOVERY TIME

  • Patients are usually discharged a couple of days after their operation.

  • Undemanding normal activities such as walking can generally be resumed within three to six weeks.

  • Pain and inflammation may last for three to four months after surgery

TREATMENT DURATION

  • Knee replacements tend to require a hospital admission lasting two to three days or as long as it takes for the IV antibiotics and anaesthesia to take effect.

  • The knee replacement operation generally takes around two hours.

SUCCESS

Success rates are typically high. Around 85% of knee replacements remain in place and functional 20 years after the initial procedure.

POTENTIAL RISKS & SIDE EFFECTS

  • Infection around the surgical area.

  • Swelling is extremely common.

  • Blood clots and deep vein thromboses can occur but are extremely uncommon.

  • Fractures, which can occur during the operation or later due to the effects of the implant.

  • Long-term stiffness and pain can also be an issue in a minority of cases.

Cost

PRICE CALCULATION

The cost of a knee replacement depends on the type of replacement being performed.The pricing differential also depends on many other factors, such as cost of living, exchange rates, or practicing costs, which may differ greatly from country to country.

Below are starting prices for In Knee Replacement across different countries

CountryPrice (EUR €)
Hungary€3,900
Malaysia€ 4,790
Germany€ 8,000
Lithuania€ 8,500
Spain€ 10,252
Mexico€ 17,770

How does it work?

What is a knee replacement?

Knee replacements (also referred to as knee arthroplasty) involve removing damaged cartilage in the knee and replacing it with prosthetic components. The procedure usually focuses replacing cartilage at the tips of the femur and tibia bones, and may also include patella (kneecap) replacement. It is typically recommended for people over the age of 55, who have a history of arthritis or wear and tear due to previous activity. It can be an effective remedy for knee joint pain, restoring much-needed mobility in old age.

How does a knee replacement work?

Knee replacements are similar to hip or shoulder replacements in that they require skilled surgeons to remove bone and cartilage before inserting specially produced prosthetic replacements. However, if you require knee arthroplasty, the process will involve more than just surgery. The general knee replacement process is as follows:

1. Firstly, you will have to attend a consultation with your physician. He/she will want to know whether a knee replacement is necessary or whether other solutions could still be used. As a general rule, it is preferable to avoid invasive surgery if possible and your doctor will explore alternate options like enhanced physiotherapy, steroid injections, mosaicplasty and osteotomies.

2. If you decide to proceed with the knee replacement option, you will need to arrange a date for surgery with the practitioner of your choice. It may help to find a clinic or hospital within easy reach of your home to make returning after the procedure easier.

3. Before surgery, you may be advised to strengthen the knee area through stretches and training. You will also be advised on whether to stop any medications which could conflict with the surgical procedure.

4. When your surgery date arrives, a general anaesthetic will usually be administered and an IV line and urinary catheter may also be needed.

5. The surgeon will then make an incision in front of the knee. He/she will then move the patella aside to access damaged cartilage at the tips of the femur and tibia, which they need to remove.

6. A metal prosthetic replacement will be applied, using a form of cement to attach it securely. A third part is often also added to the base of the patella.

7. When the prostheses are in place, your surgeon will close the incision and apply stitches and a dressing. He/she may also add a drain to remove excess fluid from the knee joint.

8. Within two to three days after the surgery, you should be ready to return home.

What are the different types of knee replacement procedures?

The procedure description above is known as a "total knee replacement" and applies to the majority of knee replacements, but it's not the only form this procedure can take. The procedure is referred to as "total" because all three parts of the knee (patella, tibia and femur) are involved and all receive a new prosthetic element.

Historically, the procedure is relatively invasive but cutting-edge methods can radically reduce this aspect of the operation. By using "mini-incision surgery", doctors can access the knee just as easily without causing as much disturbance to surrounding tissues. Alternatively, your surgeon may recommend a partial knee replacement. As the name suggests, this procedure involves only one of the parts of your knee. It is suitable for around 25% of osteoarthritis patients who request knee arthroplasty.

Another option is to replace the patella alone. Also called a "patellofemoral joint arthroplasty", this procedure is quicker and less invasive but is thought to be less effective for dealing with osteoarthritis.

What should I expect after a knee replacement?

If you choose to undergo knee arthroplasty you can expect a noticeable and sustained alleviation in knee pain, leading to improved mobility. However, these improvements usually take a while to become apparent and you should expect a lengthy period of recovery following the operation.

Directly afterwards, patients are often able to mobilise and return home almost immediately. here is usually some inflammation around the incision and the surgical area, which can last for a month or more. Your knee and leg may feel "tired" as well - another side effect of the operation. Generally speaking, this recovery phase should last for six weeks. At that point, you should be able to walk or even swim. However, the healing and adjustment process lasts longer, and your knee will continue to heal for as long as two years. This makes it important to return to leisure activities or work at a moderate pace to avoid any setbacks.

Knee Replacement Reviews

Knee Replacement Reviews

5
I am very grateful to Dr. Corbi
★★★★★
10.07.2019

I was operated of a knee prosthesis by Dr. Corbi after years of pain. The results were wonderful from the first postoperative day. I am very grateful to Dr. Corbi and all his team

Ana H.
  • Knee Replacement
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