Knee Replacement

Knee replacement or knee arthroplasty involves resecting the articular surfaces of the knee and replacing them with implants made of ceramic, plastic or metal.

The articular cartilage is a layer of specialised tissue covering the ends of the bones.  Its function is to facilitate smooth movement of the bones when they rub against each other.  This cartilage can be damaged due to wear and tear or injury and become rough.  This roughness causes friction when the bones rub against each other resulting in pain and stiffness.  This can be treated symptomatically using conservative measures but is not long lasting and ultimately knee replacement may be needed.  Knee replacement has proven to be a highly efficacious procedure to eliminate pain and restore functionality.

Knee replacement nowadays is a common and extremely beneficial procedure with more than 70,000 performed in the UK each year.  The surgeons in the Knee Department have the expertise to carry out these operations and are able to suggest the most suitable course of treatment according to your condition, age and activity levels which will prove beneficial.

Total Knee Replacements

Patients with knee arthritis who are severely debilitated due to pain and immobility, for them a total knee replacement is the ideal procedure to relieve pain and restore mobility.

Total knee replacement involves replacement of inner and outer articular surfaces of the femur (thigh bone) and the tibia (shin bone).  The implant includes replacement of the anterior cruciate ligament to maintain range of motion.  Intervention to the patella (knee cap) is optional.

Hospital stay is usually for four to five days.  Following minimally invasive surgery, patients can be on their feet the next day after the operation and undergo physiotherapy immediately.

Knee replacement is usually done to eliminate pain and improve mobility, although range of movement improves greatly after the operation.  As patients have restricted range of motion due to pain before the operation, increase in range of movement instills confidence in patients significantly.

Exercise is advisable before the surgery itself as it can improve the outcome of knee replacement surgery.  Exercise improves mobility, strengthens the muscles and improves flexibility which can result in a quick and complete recovery post surgery. For more information on all our physiotherapists, kindly visit their website ilok.info

Partial Knee Replacements

Around 20% of patients suffer with arthritis that is amenable to partial or unicondylar (one sided) knee replacement.  Patients who have osteoarthritis afflicting the inner weight-bearing surface of the knee joint known as medial tibiofemoral surface, the worn out cartilage and underlying bone are resected from the adjoining surface of the inner side of the knee joint which is replaced by a custom-made implant.  It is crucial to have a functioning anterior cruciate ligament for this operation to be successful.
This operation is beneficial for the following reasons:

  • Cruciate ligaments need not be removed.
  • Minimal harm to the surrounding muscles including quadriceps
  • Short hospital stay
  • Short period of rehabilitation

Hospital stay is only for one or two days following a partial replacement and need to walk with a walking stick for around three to four weeks.

Your Consultant will examine your knee and investigate it using radiographic images. He will then suggest a procedure that will give you maximum benefit. Once confirmed, a treatment plan will be devised that is suitable for you. Our dedicated team of surgeons, physiotherapists and nurses will always be checking up on you throughout your hospital stay and rehabilitation.

Contact Us Today

If you want to book an appointment with one of our specialists, then please contact us at 98450-54810 or email us at [email protected]