Knee prosthesis
Are you struggling with knee pain and looking to restore optimal mobility? Our knee prostheses are designed to meet your specific needs, providing long-lasting comfort and smooth motion. Trust our expertise to improve your quality of life and regain total independence in your everyday activities.
What Is a Knee Prosthesis?
A knee prosthesis is a medical device designed to replace a joint damaged by conditions such as osteoarthritis or traumatic injuries. Knee replacement surgery can restore mobility and reduce pain in patients who no longer respond to conservative treatments.
During knee replacement surgery, an orthopedic surgeon installs the knee prosthesis, enabling patients to return to their normal activities and achieve better overall health by reducing the limitations caused by joint pain.
When Is Knee Prosthesis Surgery Recommended?
The decision to proceed with knee prosthesis placement surgery is made in collaboration with an orthopedic surgeon, typically after conservative treatments have failed. When the cartilage in the joint is severely damaged, along with potential strain on the ligaments, patients often suffer from significant pain, making it necessary to replace the joint surfaces with an artificial joint. At our clinic, doctors assess the patient’s activity level to determine whether a partial or total knee replacement is the best option. Personalization is generally essential to ensure optimal alignment and long-lasting improvement in knee function.
The knee prosthesis placement is performed under general or regional anesthesia, depending on the surgical technique, and usually lasts between one and two hours, depending on the complexity of the case. The orthopedic surgeon replaces the worn joint surfaces with biocompatible materials suited to the patient’s needs. After the procedure, a period of rehabilitation and exercises with a physical therapist is essential to restore mobility and ensure the proper integration of the knee replacement implant.
The primary goal of knee replacement surgery is to enable the patient to resume their daily activities pain-free, with a significant improvement in quality of life.
What Happens During a Knee Prosthesis Procedure?
Surgical knee replacement or partial knee replacement involves replacing the damaged part of the knee joint, often due to cartilage wear. Performed by an orthopedic surgeon, this joint replacement surgery restores mobility and alleviates pain. The implant design depends on the affected compartment and the patient’s activity level.
At our clinic, the procedure generally lasts between one and two hours, depending on the type of prosthesis (partial or total knee replacement) and the patient’s specific needs.
Before the Procedure
Before surgery, a thorough assessment is conducted to evaluate the patient’s condition and determine whether knee prosthesis placement is the most suitable treatment. The orthopedic surgeon discusses the patient’s daily activities, pain levels, and goals. Part of this evaluation involves assessing the femur and other bones to ensure optimal alignment and implant fit. In some cases, corticosteroid injections may be considered before surgery to provide temporary relief.
The clinic also offers a preoperative consultation with the rehabilitation team to plan for post-operative physical therapy. The surgery may be performed under partial anesthesia, depending on the patient’s needs, for optimal comfort.
During the Procedure
The knee prosthesis procedure is generally performed under spinal anesthesia and lasts between one and two hours. During the surgery, the surgeon removes the damaged cartilage and bone affected by osteoarthritis or other medical conditions. The joint surfaces are then replaced with a knee replacement implant made of metal or plastic and secured with a specialized cement. This knee arthroplasty restores knee function, allowing for a gradual recovery of mobility.
Post-Surgery and Rehabilitation
After knee prosthesis surgery, the recovery phase is crucial for regaining proper mobility. Post-operative follow-up is essential to monitor healing, control pain, and ensure a gradual return to daily activities. Supervised rehabilitation with a physical therapist optimizes the results of the surgery.
Specific exercises are gradually introduced to strengthen the muscles surrounding the knee, ensuring a full range of motion and a safe resumption of physical activities.
Immediately After Surgery
Immediately following surgery, the patient is transferred to the recovery room for close monitoring of their overall condition to avoid any complications. Pain control is a priority, and a pain management plan is implemented, often involving blood thinners and pain medications as appropriate. The patient begins moving their knee as soon as possible to avoid joint stiffness.
Physical therapy is introduced promptly to encourage movement and promote optimal healing. The orthopedic surgeon ensures that the patient can walk with assistance to strengthen the knee replacement prosthesis and regain joint function similar to that of a healthy knee.
This initial phase is essential for gradually resuming physical activities, with close monitoring of the patient’s progress. Special attention is given to managing mobility and adapting to the implant to ensure a smooth return to daily life.
Recovery Time
The recovery time after knee prosthesis surgery varies for each patient and depends on the complexity of the surgical procedure. Generally, several weeks of rehabilitation after surgery are needed to restore satisfactory mobility, often between 6 and 12 weeks. Most patients resume their everyday activities within this period.
However, following the prescribed physical therapy exercises is essential to maximize the benefits of the knee prosthesis. The orthopedic surgeon and clinic team encourage adapted rehabilitation to support flexibility and muscle strength, facilitating the return to activities, including sports, while respecting the lifestyle of each patient.
Regain Your Mobility with a Custom Knee Prosthesis
At our private clinic, we offer personalized solutions with high-quality knee prostheses. Thanks to the expertise of our orthopedic surgeons, you can regain full mobility and improve your quality of life. Every step, from consultation to rehabilitation, is closely monitored to ensure a rapid and pain-free recovery.
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