ABOUT KNEE REPLACEMENT
A knee replacement is a surgical procedure in which damaged surfaces in the knee joint, or else the whole knee joint, are replaced with metal and plastic components. There are 2 types of knee replacement surgeries: total knee replacement (TKR) and partial knee replacement (PKR).
Knee replacement surgery is commonly performed on patients who are suffering with osteoarthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis, or patients who have had trauma do the knee bones or joints.
Recovery after knee replacement surgery involves physical rehabilitation and the patient will experience a lot pain after the surgery.
Recommended for
- Knee joint damage due to osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, haemophilia, gout, or injury
TIME REQUIREMENTS
- Number of days in hospital: 3 – 5 days.
- Average length of stay abroad 2 – 4 weeks.
After surgery, patients will have an increased risk of deep vein thrombosis, meaning any travel plans must be discussed with the surgeon first.
COMPARE KNEE REPLACEMENT PRICES AROUND THE WORLD
| Country | Cost |
|---|---|
| United Arab Emirates | 12529€ |
| Spain | 12350€ |
| Poland | 7958€ |
| Thailand | 7412€ |
| India | 6712€ |
| Mexico | 5443€ |
| Hungary | 3900€ |
| Tunisia | 3580€ |
HOW TO FIND QUALITY TREATMENT ABROAD
BEFORE KNEE REPLACEMENT ABROAD
A knee replacement is a serious surgery, so patients are encouraged to consult with their doctor ahead of scheduling a surgery to explore all potential treatment options. The doctor will take x-rays of the knee to determine whether or not knee replacement surgery is best option for the patient.
Once it has been established that the patient will need to undergo knee replacement surgery, the patient may be given instructions on how to perform certain stretching exercises ahead of the surgery. The doctor will conduct a variety of tests such as blood test and chest x-ray, and the patient will usually be advised to stop taking certain medications such as aspirin.
HOW IS IT PERFORMED
The patient is administered with a general anesthetic and an incision of around 8 to 12 inches is made into the front of the knee. The surgeon will then detach part of the quadriceps muscle from the kneecap. The kneecap is displaced, exposing the end of the thighbone nearest to the shin. The ends of these bones are cut to shape and the cartilage and anterior cruciate ligament is removed. Metal or plastic parts are impacted onto the bone or fixed using cement or other material.
With recent advances in knee replacement surgery, the surgery may be performed as a minimally invasive surgery. Traditional surgery involves making a large incision in the knee, however minimally invasive surgery involves making a smaller incision of around 3 to 5 inches. Making a smaller incision reduces the amount of tissue damage and can improve the recovery time after surgery.
Anesthesia
General anesthetic.
Procedure duration
The Knee Replacement takes 1 to 3 hours.
WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER KNEE REPLACEMENT
Post procedure care
Usually patients spend a few days in hospital, but may begin trying to walk with assistance 12 to 24 hours after surgery. Patients will often need to take 4 to 12 weeks off work to recover.
Possible discomfort
After the surgery, patients will usually feel tired for the first few days. The knee can feel sore and uncomfortable, particularly when moving it or trying to walk. Patients will often spend several days in hospital, and will be given pain medicines as required.
IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT KNEE REPLACEMENT
Potential risks
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Blood clots
- Nerve damage
- Bone fracture during or after surgery
- Bone formations around the prosthetic knee joint
- Excess scar tissue formation
- Kneecap dislocation
- Allergic reaction to materials used
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Most implants used in knee replacements are made of metal alloys, ceramics, and hard plastics. They are bonded to the bone using acrylic cement.
Knee replacements rely on an implant, which can wear down like any moving part. About 85% of knee replacement implants last 20 years or longer. Many implants have a guaranteed lifespan from the manufacturer that you can ask your surgeon about. It is rare that an artificial knee fails without significant warning signs.
Knee replacements are considered a very safe surgery and there is a low rate of complications. Risks associated with knee replacement surgery include infection, blood clot, heart attack, stroke, and nerve damage. Most risks are associated with general anesthesia. The most common complication is infection, although it still occurs at a very low rate.
Approximately 719,000 knee replacements were performed in the US in 2014 according to the CDC. According to the National Joint Registry in the UK there were 85,756 knee replacement surgeries performed in England and Wales in 2013.
Knee replacement surgery will help alleviate pain associated with arthritis in the knee and will restore some function and mobility in the joint.
