Joint Surgeons in Germany

Gelenk Klinik Orthopaedic Clinic
Alte Bundesstrasse 58
D-79194 Gundelfingen
Germany
fon: +49-761-79117-228
fax: +49-761-79117-999
care@joint-surgeon.com

Total knee replacement

Total Knee Replacement - restoring pain free mobility for patients with severe osteoarthritis

Knee specialist approach to total knee replacementKnee specialist approach to total knee replacement ©Viewmedica

Total knee replacement (endoprosthesis)

If a partial knee replacement is no longer possible (the damage to the joint surface is too great), the knee joint surface is replaced completely with an "artificial knee joint". This means that the worn ends of the bones are replaced with metal and plastic parts.

With a total knee replacement, the choice of method used to connect the upper and lower leg components, is most important. There are two prosthesis options for this, "fixed bearing" and "mobile bearing". The mobile bearing prosthesis uses a moving "meniscus" disc, more closely resembling the natural structure of the knee.

What is Total Knee Replacement Surgery?

In knee replacement surgery, a damaged knee is replaced with an "artificial knee joint". The worn ends of the bones are replaced with metal and plastic parts. Such a prosthesis is necessary when the articular cartilage becomes severely damaged or worn away. The levels of pain and discomfort in the knee are high and the knee joint ceases to function properly i.e. where there is a reduction in the range of motion in the joint, or in cases where the knee joint has become malpositioned.

Fixed vs Mobile Bearing Prosthesis

Advantages of mobile bearing knee replacements

  • Only the joint surfaces are replaced
  • Essential ligaments are preserved
  • Reduced surface tension of the implant
  • Better rotation movements whilst standing
  • Closer to natural movements
  • Fast recovery time
  • It is the current gold standard

With a "fixed-bearing" prosthesis, the tibial insert is fixed to the metal tibial implant and the femoral component rolls on this cushioned surface.

How is the surgery for total knee replacement carried out?

The surgeon makes a cut down the front of the knee. Damaged cartilage is removed, and the damaged ends of the bones are cut away. In order to be able to preserve as much of the bone as possible, the metal surface is manufactured to dimensions according to the sex and body size of the patient. The ligaments, which are of great importance, are retained to give the joint its necessary stability following the operation and to allow more natural movement of the knee.

Film showing Total Knee Replacement

Risks of Total Knee Replacement Surgery

As with any operation, knee replacement surgery carries certain risks. The most common general risks are infection of the wound, blood clots or deep vein thrombosis, unexpected bleeding and excess scar tissue restricting the movement of the knee.

Infection around the implant is usually treated with antibiotics. If this treatment is unsuccessful, and only then, it may be necessary to remove the implant until the joint has completely healed up, replacing it at a later date.

Total Knee Replacement: Follow up, Rehabilitation and Sports with Prosthesis

The day after the operation, the knee joint is gently mobilized by means of a continuous passive motion device (CPM). On the second day, intensive physiotherapy begins. The patient is taught to walk with forearm crutches, this means that on leaving hospital (after seven to ten days), he should be able to climb stairs.

Immediately after hospitalization, a three- to four-week rehabilitation program takes place, either as an outpatient or in a rehabilitation centre.

Clinical Evidence for Total Knee Replacement

Literature

Clinical Evidence for Knee Endoprosthesis (Total Knee Replacement)

  • Knieendoprothetik: Komplikation - Revision - Problemlösung (German Edition). (1998) (1 ed). Steinkopff.

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Orthopaedic Clinic Germany

Orthopedic clinic and surgeons in Germany

MVZ Gelenk-Klinik
Orthopaedic Clinic

ISO 9001:2015 certified quality

Alte Bundesstrasse 58

D-79194 Gundelfingen,
Germany

 

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Location of Gelenk-Klinik Gundelfingen
View Details of the location
  • Distance to EURO-Airport Basel: 80 km (45 mins)
  • Distance to Zurich: 161 km (1h 40)
  • Distance to Frankfurt: 259 km (2h 20)

Centre for Arthroplasty

Center of Excellence in Arthroplasty

Certified Centre for Arthroplasty (Centre for Endoprosthesis)