Knee Replacement

As we go through our daily routine, our bodies go through a substantial amount of wear-and-tear as one of the most damaged areas can be our knee joints. Knee replacement surgery is a popular solution as different conditions, such as arthritis, can affect us.

The condition of arthritis (which means 'inflammation of the joint') is a common phenomenon causing various difficulties to get through our day. These can include simple functions such as walking, dressing and bathing among others. One of the most common types of knee arthritis is osteoarthritis, which describes a condition involving the degradation of the joints. Additional conditions that may lead to knee replacement surgery are rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis. These conditions may manifest in different forms including pain, swelling and stiffness as well as mechanical symptoms such as clicking or limping.

Joint Replacement

Knee replacement surgery is part of the broader field of joint replacement surgeries. This orthopedic medical field includes various replacement surgeries performed on various joints such as the ankles, wrists, feet, shoulders, elbows and our hip. Knee and hip replacement surgeries are considered to be the most common operations in this discipline.

Knee Replacment Surgery Video

Knee Replacement

The specific type of knee surgery will be determined and recommended to the patient by the orthopedic surgeon. If ones condition is not too severe, the surgeon might suggest relatively minor surgeries such as a torn meniscus surgery or knee arthroscopy. However, once the arthritis condition is severe, a partial or total knee replacement operation will be recommended by the surgeon.

There are two main recommend types of knee replacement procedures:

Partial Knee Replacement

A partial knee replacement surgery (also known as "unicompartmental knee arthroplasty" or the "Mini-Knee Surgery") may be considered for less severe cases of osteoarthritis of the knee joint, rheumatoid arthritis or lupus. Patients that have damaged only one knee part (out of the three knee components of medial, lateral and patellofemoral) may be suitable for partial knee replacement surgery.

This procedure requires minimal invasive surgery techniques, thus includes a smaller incision. The Mini Knee operation removes only the damaged area of the cartilage, minimizing the damage to the surrounding muscles and tendons around the knee, thus decreasing healing time and is generally considered less painful.

Total Knee Replacment

Total knee replacement surgery (also known as 'total knee arthroplasty') is recommended by surgeons when there are severe cases of arthritis and two or more knee components that are damaged (out of the three).

The total knee replacement is done while completely opening the knee with a vertical incision. Once open, the surgeon will begin the process which includes the complete removal of the cartilage and replacement with metal and plastic parts that will allow the patient to regain normal motion in the knee.

In both the total and partial procedures, this surgery is not an easy one to recuperate from, as the recovery process requires intense rehabilitation and physiotherapy, and will include the use of mobility aids (canes, crutches and more). The whole process can take 6 weeks or a tad longer.

Knee Replacment Abroad

Locating a trusted orthopedic surgeon to perform total or partial knee replacement surgery is an important element, as well as scheduling a proper and professional physiotherapy recovery program, all to raise success chances of the surgery and reduce recovery time.

The chosen replacement device and the certain procedure performed are individual and should be discussed with the surgeon in advance while taking all relevant information under consideration. TicketMed will help assist you in finding the suitable surgeon who will provide the right consult and perform the surgery, as well as set up the recovery process. Contact us or ask for a quote.