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Knee

Osteoarthritis
Artificial Joint Replacement

Osteoarthritis of the knee joint leads to a thinning of the cartilage tissue forming the joint. As the articular cartilage thins, movements in the joint become painful. Everyone develops osteoarthritis. From approximately 65 years of age, virtually no one is without signs of joint wear and tear. Causes for the degenerative disease of the articular cartilage include, among others, age, accident mechanisms, cortisone therapy or rheumatic diseases, deformities, and ligament injuries.

Sportorthopädie Videos Video: Total Endoprosthesis | Knee

Sportorthopädie Videos Video: Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty | Knee

When is surgery needed?

If osteoarthritis of the knee joint has progressed to such an extent that conservative therapeutic measures, arthroscopic surgery, and/or joint-preserving operations (correction of joint/leg axis deformities, cartilage (bone) transplantation) no longer achieve pain reduction, then artificial knee joint replacement (endoprosthesis) is the treatment of choice.

What happens during surgery?

There are different models for artificial knee joint replacement. The specific model to be used depends on the extent of joint, muscle, tendon, and ligament damage, as well as the patient's demands, activity level, and age. Knee joint replacement surgery is performed under inpatient conditions.

Aftercare

Mobilisation begins on the first day after the operation with the aid of physiotherapy and forearm crutches. Depending on the implanted prosthetic model, the operated joint/leg may be immediately fully weight-bearing or only partially weight-bearing for 3 to 6 weeks. During this period, temporary partial weight-bearing with forearm crutches must be observed. Medical thrombosis prophylaxis is required for this duration. After inpatient discharge, physiotherapy should be continued, possibly in the form of inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation. Typically, a rehabilitation period of 12 weeks can be expected after knee joint replacement surgery. Patients should anticipate a period of incapacity for work lasting 3 months.