Are you suffering from severe knee pain and reduced mobility as a result of arthritis and attempted all non-operative options?
Knee replacement surgery is often necessary when patients are suffering from severe pain and having difficulty walking despite persevering with conservative treatment. A Knee Replacement can restore your quality of life by relieving your pain and allowing you to return to normal activities.
A Total Knee Replacement replaces the whole knee joint and is applicable when arthritis involves multiple compartments within the knee. Pain is more generalised when all of the compartments of the knee are affected meaning a full knee replacement is the best option.
When arthritis and its associated pain is localised to one compartment within the knee, a Partial or Unicompartmental Knee Replacement can be performed. Not all knee surgeons perform this type of operation but Professor Hopper specialises in this type of surgery.
Benefits of a Partial Knee Replacement include preservation of healthy bone within the knee leading to a more ‘normal feeling’ knee after surgery, an accelerated recovery as a result of the smaller incision, reduced amount of bone removed and less disruption to the soft tissues, a better range of motion and finally the lower risks of complications.
Knee replacement surgery is usually performed under spinal anaesthetic where you are numb from the waist down but sometimes a general anaesthetic is performed depending on your health conditions and preference.
An incision is made at the front of the knee then the arthritic joint surfaces are removed. The prosthesis is then inserted and the wound is closed. The procedure normally takes between 1-2 hours. At Glasgow Knee Surgery Clinic we use innovative technology and the latest surgical techniques leading to precise placement of your knee replacement and an accelerated recovery.
In general, most patients will be walking with a support from day one and you would normally remain in hospital for two nights. Physiotherapy is essential following knee replacement surgery and you will go home with a programme of exercises. Driving is usually possible after 6 weeks but this is variable and dependent on progress. Full recovery is usually around 3-6 months but further small improvements can be seen until 1 year.
