Knee Replacement

Knee replacement surgery, also known as knee arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to alleviate pain and improve mobility in individuals with severe arthritis or significant knee injuries. This surgery resurfaces the damaged knee joint by replacing damaged cartilage and bone with metal and plastic parts that cap the femur, tibia, and kneecap. These prosthetics not only restore the knee’s structure but also mimic its natural movements, allowing patients to walk, bend, and even climb stairs with ease.

The knee is a complex joint where the femur (thighbone), tibia (shin bone), and patella (kneecap) meet. It’s held together by muscles, ligaments, and tendons, each playing a vital role in its functionality. At its core, cartilagecushions the bone ends, reducing friction and absorbing the impact of every step, jump, or sprint. Surrounding the joint is the synovial membrane, a protective lining that secretes synovial fluid to keep movements fluid and friction-free.

The knee’s stability comes from ligaments, which act like sturdy ropes. Some, like the anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments, prevent the tibia from sliding too far forward or backward, while others ensure side-to-side stability. Tendons, on the other hand, connect powerful muscles to bones, with the quadriceps extending the knee and the hamstrings flexing it. Adding to its versatility is the meniscus, a crescent-shaped cartilage that deepens the joint, spreads load evenly, and absorbs shocks. Together, these elements form a joint that supports the body’s weight, absorbs impact, and allows seamless movement making it vital yet prone to wear and injury.

Knee replacement surgery is often considered when arthritis becomes debilitating, causing relentless pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Patients often consider knee replacement when nonsurgical treatments fail to manage pain or restore mobility.

Arthritis in the knee can stem from various causes. The most common type, osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition where the cartilage protecting the ends of bones wears away, leading to pain and stiffness. It typically affects middle-aged and older adults. Rheumatoid arthritis, causes inflammation of the synovial membrane, producing excessive synovial fluid which can result in joint swelling, pain, and restricted movement. Traumatic arthritis which stems from an injury can damage cartilage and disrupt knee function, often occurring after fractures, ligament tears, or meniscal injuries.

Knee replacement procedure is designed to address debilitating knee pain. The surgery’s primary goal is to resurface the parts of the knee joint that have been worn down by arthritis or injury. By replacing these damaged surfaces with durable prosthetic components, the procedure eliminates the bone-on-bone grinding and inflammation that cause pain and restrict mobility.

Knee replacement surgery is often recommended for individuals with chronic knee pain, caused by osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or knee injuries, and limited mobility that significantly affects daily activities.

Candidates usually have severe degenerative joint disease that hasn’t responded to treatments such as anti-inflammatory medications, cortisone or viscosupplementation injections, physical therapy, or assistive walking devices. When pain persists and limits activities like walking, climbing stairs, or standing, knee replacement may provide relief and restore mobility. Candidates for surgery are typically those who experience joint instability, like the knee “giving way” during movement.

In a knee replacement surgery, the orthopedic surgeon will remove the damaged cartilage and bone from the knee joint. The surgeon will then position metal and plastic implants to restore the knee’s alignment and function.

The procedure is performed under general anaesthesia, meaning you are fully asleep during the surgery, and typically takes about 1 to 2 hours.

• After surgery, it’s important to begin moving the knee joint as soon as possible. You may be able to begin bearing weight on the knee with the help of assistive devices like crutches or a walker.
• The surgical incision will need to be cleaned and monitored for signs of infection.
• Swelling and bruising around the knee are common but will gradually subside over time.
• Within 6 to 12 weeks there will be significant improvement in mobility and pain reduction.
• Full recovery of knee strength and function may take 3 to 6 months, although it may take up to 1 year for full recovery in some cases.

• Begin moving the new joint as soon as possible to aid recovery.
• A physical therapist will assist in creating an exercise program tailored to your needs.
• A Continuous Passive Motion (CPM) machine may be used to move the knee through its range of motion while you rest in bed.
• Pain will be managed with medication to ensure you can participate in therapy exercises.
• An exercise plan will be provided for both your hospital stay and after discharge to help strengthen the knee and improve flexibility.
• At Prospero medical, post-surgery recovery care extends for 6 months up to a year, ensuring ongoing support even after patients return home. If any issues are encountered, it’s critical to contact our clinic without delay, as early intervention is key before seeing other external specialists.

Turkey stands out as a global leader in medical tourism, renowned not only for its top-tier healthcare but also for its rich historical heritage and warm hospitality. This unique combination makes Turkey an attractive destination for a wide range of treatments, including knee replacement surgery. Opting for knee replacement surgery in Turkey offers numerous advantages, some of which may surpass those available in one’s home country. Key benefits include:

• Turkey’s highly trained orthopedic surgeons specialize in advanced knee procedures, ensuring high-quality outcomes.
• Leading hospitals in Turkey use the latest technology and equipment to perform knee replacement surgeries with precision and care.
• Patients enjoy attentive post-surgery care, with a unique focus on comfort, quick recovery, and the renowned Turkish hospitality that enhances the entire experience.
• Turkey offers competitive pricing for knee surgeries without compromising on quality, offering great value for money.
• Turkey provides an ideal environment for post-surgery recovery, where orthopedic treatment packages are seamlessly integrated with physiotherapy sessions to accelerate the healing process and enhance recovery outcomes.

When choosing the right clinic for your knee replacement surgery, there are a few crucial factors to consider. Amid the noise of commercial ads and persuasive social media sales pitches, it’s easy to get lost when searching for the perfect clinic for your surgery. So, how do you find the one that meets all your expectations and offers a trustworthy, safe, and effective treatment? The right clinic should meet these criteria:

• Providing honest and unbiased medical advice, focused solely on the patient’s health needs
• A clinic that goes beyond simple doctor-patient interaction and works to build a meaningful, empathetic relationship, understanding your concerns and managing your expectations with care.
• A clinic that prioritized the well-being and safety of the patient above all else.

A realistic price estimate of the treatment should be made by carefully considering the following factors:

• The clinic’s reputation and its professional standing in the medical community.
• The complexity and nature of the procedure, as more intricate surgeries often require specialized techniques and expertise.
• The surgeon’s credentials and the quality of aftercare provided.
• Transparent terms and conditions that clearly define clinical liabilities, ensuring the legal framework protects your interests and outlines all expectations in an unbiased and fair manner.

The cost of knee replacement surgery can vary depending on the factors mentioned. While the cost can be a major drive for travelling abroad for surgery, prioritizing price over quality without confirming that the clinic meets essential standards can result in serious issues and higher long-term costs. At Prospero Medical, we pride ourselves on a transparent pricing approach, where every aspect of the treatment process is carefully outlined to empower patients with the information they need to make well-informed decisions. Our goal is to offer realistic pricing aligned with the quality of medical services, the expertise of our surgeons, and the commendable aftercare that we provide. We are committed to offering top-tier medical services at a price that is fair and representative of the high standards we uphold.