The total knee replacement surgery
A healthy knee
In a healthy knee, the joint surfaces are smooth such that they can easily slide over one another. This is made possible by the cartilage. The knee is protected by muscles and ligaments. You can move freely as a result of this construction.
A damaged knee
In a damaged knee, the bone surfaces are rough. The knee arthritis causes pain when they rub against one another. The cartilage crumbles off and gives rise to an inflammatory reaction. The knee will swell as a result. The result is pain and stiffness in the knee.
What is knee replacement surgery?
There is currently no wonder medicine to regenerate arthritis in the knee. As a result of great progress in modern techniques, it is now possible to replace a bad knee with an artificial knee. A total knee replacement surgery is a difficult but safe surgical technique that will enable you to resume many of your daily activities and will clearly reduce the pain. Just like a normal knee, an artificial knee has a smooth joint surface. Depending on your age, activities and expectations, a choice has to be made from a complete range of prostheses.
Performance Knee System
The Performance Knee System is an extensive and user-friendly system that offers options for all indications in primary and revision knee surgery - with considerable intra-operative flexibility.
Features
- Anatomical femoral components. Open and Closed Box PS Femoral Components.
- Modular tibia components.
- Modular shafts
- Femoral and tibial augmentations
- ArCom™ polyethylene
- Completely interchangeable femoral and tibial components
- 5° "centralised slope" for the desired support and stability
- Excellent patella tracking
- PS and constrained inserts for M/L stability
The examination before a knee replacement surgery
Your medical history consists of questions about your knee pain, medication, accidents, infections and clotting disorders. An assessment of the mobility, stability and deformation. You have to demonstrate how you walk. The photos taken (X-rays) show the wear and deformation of your knee.
The risks of a knee surgery
Just as with every major operation there are risks. For example, infection, phlebitis, embolism, lung inflammation and nerve damage. Later on, an infection and detachment of the prosthesis can occur. Many preventive measures are taken to limit these risks.
The risks of a knee surgery
Together with the anaesthetist, you can decide whether you want a general (unconscious) or local (conscious) anaesthetic. A combination is also possible. After disinfection and covering, the incision (opening of the knee) is made. The kneecap is moved back. Then all the damaged and worn cartilage can be removed from the bone. The bone is straightened and the prosthesis is fitted in place. After extensive tests the actual knee prosthesis is either screwed in place or fixed with bone cement.
At the end of the knee surgery, a small tube is fitted to let the remaining blood flow out (this is removed after a few days without extra anaesthetic). This blood can be put back in the body after purification. The wound is then very carefully closed and a pressure bandage is applied. An X-ray is immediately taken of the knee.
What is bone cement?
In order to fix the prosthesis in place, a special bone cement, or methylmetacrylate, can be used. It is not a glue but a filler between the bone and the prosthesis
In the recovery room
After the operation, you will be monitored for a short while by the anaesthetist in the recovery room. Some people have to stay in intensive care for one or two days.
Your further stay in hospital!
The objective is to use your muscles as quickly as possible and to recover the mobility of your knee. On the first day you have to move your toes and do small exercises to foster circulation. We will put your leg on a machine that will automatically bend your knee (Kinetec). We try to reach 90° as quickly as possible!! The objective is to use your muscles as quickly as possible and to recover the mobility of your knee. On the first day you have to move your toes and do small exercises to foster circulation. We will put your leg on a machine that will automatically bend your knee (Kinetec). We try to reach 90° as quickly as possible!!
Together with the physiotherapy department you have to learn to walk again. First using a Zimmer frame, and then with crutches. As soon as the swelling reduces, your mobility will increase. The foot pump can help here.
Every day you are given a small injection in your stomach to thin your blood to prevent embolism (blood clots). This must be continued until 6 weeks after the operation!Recovery at home or in a rehabilitation centre
As soon as you can bend your knee 90° or more, you can leave the hospital. The stitches and the bandage will generally have already been removed. Further intensive physiotherapy is very necessary. An exercise schedule is available. With your new knee you will again be able do many movements in daily life.
Note: a knee replacement is NOT designed for heavy work or contact sports!!!! Enjoy an independent life again and take care of your new knee!!!
Total knee replacement surgery is the result of many years of research. But just like many things, its lifetime depends on how we treat it. Closely follow the instructions of your doctor. If you have to have an operation, or have to have your teeth treated: always inform your doctor/dentist! Prevention with antibiotics will be required in many cases. In the event of a detachment or wear of the knee prosthesis, it can be replaced by a new one. This is more difficult however. Thus take care of it! An annual X-ray check is very important!!
If you experience pain, redness or swelling, you must inform your GP or our secretariat. After 6 weeks you will come back for a check-up.