Painful Knees | Stiff Knees | Swollen Knees |
A Knee replacement is also known as a knee arthroplasty. This is a surgical procedure where the damaged or diseased joint can best be described as being; 'resurfaced'. This will require either a 'hemi' implant (half knee) or a 'total' which is a full knee. Diagnostic tests & examination by an experienced orthopaedic surgeon allows the most appropriate intervention to be determined. As with the hip, the idea of knee joint replacement finds its origins in that extraordinary innovator Themistocles Glück. He implanted a hinged ivory joint into a 17 year old girl in May 1890. The modern knee replacement era really began with the work of Professor Michael Freeman & his friend Dr John Insall in London during the late 1960s. Today it is a routine orthopaedic procedure & we now have Robotic Knee Replacement available locally.
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Modern knee replacement offers excellent prospects for pain relief, improved mobility, & long term survivorship of the implant. The understanding of what allows a 'new knee' to perform well & to meet growing patient expectations has developed markedly in recent decades. This greater knowledge of biomechanics has occurred in tandem with better management of materials, such as the abandonment of gamma-irradiation in air sterlising of plastic (Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene) bearings. As with the hip Michael prefers to use components that have a distinguished clinical lineage. Such desirable implant bona fides can be identified via resources such as UK based ODEP ratings (Orthopaedic Data Evaluation Panel) & through the various Joint Registries. Knee replacement, & how to obtain the best knee replacement outcomes, are also a subject of many peer-reviewed articles & publications.
The knee is similar to the hip in terms of what should be done before any surgery is contemplated. First there must be a referral, to be followed by consultation with an expert orthopaedic surgeon. The taking of history, a physical examination, & instructions for imaging all form part of the assessment as to whether knee replacement is indicated. If that is the case the surgeon must also exercise a critical judgement as to whether a Total Knee is required, or if a 'Hemi' is more appropriate. Michael appreciates that every patient is unique & must be afforded a bespoke approach to their problem. There are potential risks & complications that can occasionally occur with knee replacement & properly understanding what's involved is essential. Michael has empathy with 'patient knee concerns' & he always seeks to explain options in a friendly & understandable way. Should it be necessary to suggest either a total or a 'hemi' knee, or an alternative procedure, patients can be reassured that both the pre-operative planning & the surgery will be carried out with meticulous attention to detail.
The knee is similar to the hip in terms of what should be done before any surgery is contemplated. First there must be a referral, to be followed by consultation with an expert orthopaedic surgeon. The taking of history, a physical examination, & instructions for imaging all form part of the assessment as to whether knee replacement is indicated. If that is the case the surgeon must also exercise a critical judgement as to whether a Total Knee is required, or if a 'Hemi' is more appropriate. Michael appreciates that every patient is unique & must be afforded a bespoke approach to their problem. There are potential risks & complications that can occasionally occur with knee replacement & properly understanding what's involved is essential. Michael has empathy with 'patient knee concerns' & he always seeks to explain options in a friendly & understandable way. Should it be necessary to suggest either a total or a 'hemi' knee, or an alternative procedure, patients can be reassured that both the pre-operative planning & the surgery will be carried out with meticulous attention to detail.