Your Specialists for Orthopedic Surgery

Knee Joint Replacement Surgery

X-ray knee joint 

Knee Joint Replacement Surgery
There is a wide range of knee surgeries and every surgery is different, however, the most common types of knee surgery performed by our partners are:

  • Total knee joint replacement
  • Partial knee joint replacement
  • Knee joint revision surgery

Procedure
Knee joint replacement surgery reduces or eliminates the symptoms (limited movement, pain) of knee damage. Generally, the orthopedic surgeon replaces the painful joint surfaces of the knee with metal and plastic components. The standard knee replacement technique is performed under general anesthesia. Before beginning the operation, the knee is deprived of blood supply by applying a blood pressure cuff. The joint is first exposed by incisions and prepared for the prosthesis. There are different types of prostheses available:

  • A partial joint replacement is performed if only the internal or external compartment of the knee joint is affected. The surgeon removes the damaged parts of the cartilage. A metal femoral (thigh bone) component as well as a metal or synthetic tibial (shin bone) component is then implanted.
  • Total knee joint replacement is performed if the knee joint is severely damaged. The entire cartilaginous surface, the medial and lateral menisci and any adjacent damaged bony tissue are removed and replaced by implants.
  • Axis alignment joint replacement is performed if the ligaments are damaged as well or if the axial deviation between the femur and the radius is too great. In such cases, the stability of the knee joint can only be restored by a hinge prosthesis.

Complete recovery from knee replacement surgery with return to full normal function may take three months or even longer for some patients. Proper physical therapy is crucial for recovery, especially in the first days and weeks after surgery. We offer our clients three weeks of therapy after the surgery.

Success Rates
As a rule, patients are satisfied with the results of the surgery (95%) and are able to walk again without pain or with lessened pain. Physical performance is usually appropriate for the patient's age. However, a replacement knee will never be entirely like a healthy natural knee.

Risks
Patients should also be aware of the risks associated with knee replacement surgery and willing to take them. Despite utmost care, complications can occur during surgery. These complications include allergic reactions (e.g. due to the anesthetic), injury to neighboring tissue (which can lead to severe bleeding, infection or nerve damage), facture of a bone (especially of patients prone to osteoporosis) or abscess of an injection site which can lead to nerve and vein irritation.

German law requires that patients be provided with comprehensive personal information regarding the risks of the surgery performed by the hospital medical staff.

Costs for knee joint surgeries
Americans get expect the total cost to be approximately 60 to 70% below U.S. prices - including all expenses (such as flight tickets, medical expenses, hospital stay, surgeon's fees, operation room fees, anesthesia, anesthesiologist's fees, medicine, nursing, semi-private room, meals, pre-op diagnosis, rehabilitation, etc.).