Total knee replacement is a surgical substitution of the diseased knee joint with the artificial one (i.e. implant or endoprosthesis). Results of the multicenter studies have shown that up to 85% of patients are satisfied with the improvement of their life quality after the procedure. Novel equipment in the specialized orthopedic hospitals allows carrying out the knee replacement surgery with minimally invasive techniques. Thus, after undergoing orthopedic rehabilitation a patient can perform all usual activities without any restrictions.
When you should consider the total knee replacement
In Germany, total knee replacement is performed as the last-line therapy, as doctors give preference to medicamentous and physical therapy whenever it possible. Only when medications and conservative measures can not relieve pain, knee replacement is considered.
Total knee replacement in Germany is carried out in the following cases:
Osteoarthritis stage IV (or stage III with severe disability).
Severe traumatic damage of the knee.
Inborn joint deformities, including the complex ones (e.g. dysplasia in combination with arthritis).
Autoimmune knee lesions (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis).
Infectious knee lesions.
All these pathologies are united by clinical manifestations, i.e. pain syndrome, stiffness and difficulties while walking or bending the knee. The surgery is aimed at relieving the disturbing symptoms regardless of their root cause.
How you prepare for the arthroplasty
Although you will be able to walk on walker or crutches soon after the minimally invasive surgery, help with cooking, bathing, and shopping will be useful during first weeks. Make it sure that a relative or friend will provide you with all the necessary assistance.
During the rehabilitation period it will also be useful to make several modifications for facilitating daily activities, like:
Constructing the secure handrails along stairways or preparing the temporary living space on one floor in order to avoid walking up or down stairs.
Constructing the secure handrail in the shower.
Preparing the chair for bathing or shower bench.
Preparing the special chair with a firm cushion and back that is equipped with a footstool for leg elevation.
Removing all not fixed or slippery carpets.
In addition, you should inform surgeon about all medications you are taking currently. Such drugs as warfarin, clopidogrel, ibuprofen, and acetylsalicylic acid must be stopped several days before the intervention.
How the surgery is performed
Total knee replacement is carried out under the epidural or general anesthetic. A doctor moves aside the knee cap and nearby muscles via the few skin incisions. Sparing muscles is essential for the proper functioning of the implant. Reaching the damaged joint, doctor removes the affected parts of the shin and thigh bones. Joint surfaces of both bones are adjusted to the artificial joint implantation.
The endoprosthesis is fixed in the right position with the help of bone “cement”. A surgeon may also use the cementless method, when a bone grows naturally inside the prosthesis and fixes it. This option requires more time for the final healing.
Once the fixation is successfully completed, a doctor repairs muscles and skin with few stitches. A patient is moved to the recovery room. Once the surgical anesthesia is worn off, he is examined by an experienced physical therapist. In case no complications are revealed, patient may leave the healthcare institution the same day. After that a rehabilitation program starts. It may be performed in the specialized center or at home.
Choosing the hospital and arrangement of treatment abroad
Virtually each person can undergo total knee replacement in Germany. Nevertheless, for the foreigners it will be easier to use services of Booking Health. Booking Health is the medical tourism provider that arranges treatment in Germany for over 12 years. Excellent quality of the company’s work is confirmed by the international ISO certificate 9001:2015.
Booking Health offers comprehensive service that includes but not limited to:
Assistance in the informed choice of the right orthopedic hospital and doctor.
Elaborating the preliminary medical program without unnecessary tests and interventions.
Making the appointment without long waiting lists.
Help in buying and forwarding medical products, if necessary.
Communication with the physician after treatment completion, distant consultations on the results of control examinations, etc.
Organization of additional examinations or rehabilitation in Germany.
Providing reasonable cost of medical services, avoiding overpricing (saving up to 50%).
All-inclusive financial control.
Booking accommodation and plane tickets, transfer organization.
Providing patient and an accompanying person with services of an interpreter.
Send your request via the Booking Health portal, and a medical advisor will contact you the same day for guiding through further steps.
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