Knee surgery

All about knee replacement surgery

When is a knee replacement carried out?

A knee prosthesis (artificial knee) is placed in the event of serious damage to the knee joint. The cause of this damage is usually arthritis or a rheumatic disorder. This causes pain and poor functioning. The damage can be seen on an X-ray of the knee and is confirmed by functional tests.

Your knee is an articulated joint consisting of 3 parts: the lower thighbone, the upper shinbone, and the kneecap. The ends of the thighbone and shinbone are covered with a layer of cartilage. This is elastic and absorbs impacts and shocks, allowing the knee to move smoothly. Between the two bones are the inner and outer meniscus, which also absorb shock and reduce friction in the knee. The knee capsule surrounds the entire joint produces synovial fluid that lubricates the cartilage. This fluid also reduces friction in the knee. In the centre of the knee joint lie the cruciate ligaments. The anterior cruciate ligament prevents the lower leg from sliding too far forward when walking or twisting. Finally, the kneecap is located at the front of the knee joint.

What is commonly known as wear and tear of cartilage is called osteoarthritis

This wear and tear of cartilage is a normal aging process that occurs in everyone.
However, in some people, the wear and tear progress faster. Causes can be due to an abnormal load, an accident, or malformation of the knee joint. There is certainly also an important hereditary factor. Wear and tear is not always attributable to a specific cause. When the pain can no longer be relieved by other means, a knee replacement will be suggested.

Knee replacement

There are two types: total knee replacement and half knee replacement. The most common is the total knee replacement, which replaces the whole cartilage of the femur and tibia.

When only the inner or outer side of the knee needs to be replaced, a half knee replacement (also called hemi-knee replacement) is used. Nowadays, there is also a female model, which is better adapted to the average bone size of women.

Knee surgery is no walk in the park and recovery requires a lot of willpower and effort, but with proper preparation you can save yourself unnecessary stress and disappointment.

The knee surgery

During the operation you will receive antibiotics to reduce the risk of infection. The procedure takes approximately 1.5 hours. During knee surgery the knee is first opened at the front by a vertical incision of approximately twenty centimetres. The surgeon removes the affected joint surfaces. With special instruments, the bone is adapted to the shape of the prosthesis, so that a correct anchoring is possible. A plastic disc between the metal parts of the prosthesis allows the knee to hinge smoothly.

Usually, a kneecap prosthesis is not placed, as the kneecap’s own impingement ensures that hardly any kneecap complaints remain. Experience in the United States has shown that artificial kneecaps have a risk of complications in the short and long term. Therefore, a kneecap prosthesis is only placed on indication. These indications are: (severe) rheumatism or severe kneecap wear.

References

Jos Jansen, the Netherlands

I trained hard with the therapists for 8 weeks. As a result, I now have much more stamina. I also feel much better. The healthy air on the Costa Blanca has also helped.

Klaas Jan Hindriks - Foreign Correspondent NOS, the Netherlands

Your organization and treatment center is not only distinguished by its medical knowledge, but above all by the dedication and inspiring support of the extremely experienced employees.

Margaret, Ireland

“The attention to detail is second to none. Everyone I met—from the drivers to the doctors to the physio team—was absolutely fantastic. They take care of you from start to finish.” “Recovery has been brilliant. Five days post-surgery, and I already feel stronger. The physio started immediately, and they guide you through every step. Even before I left the hospital, they had exercises planned for me. I never expected to feel this good so soon.”

Henny Vissers - Witte, the Netherlands

For all fellow sufferers, no matter how sad the circumstances are, when you visit the rehabilitation clinic in Moraira, you can learn a lot with the cooperation of this fantastic team of therapists, both physically and mentally!

Sean, Ireland

“One of the best things about getting knee surgery in Spain is the Physio. I started a few days after surgery and had two physio sessions a day for five days. That level of care makes such a difference in recovery, and you’d really struggle to get that anywhere else. The fact that even the physio sessions are fully reimbursed makes it even better. Plus, the team are excellent, and their English is just as good as mine!”

Jego, Netherlands

Medifit, a rehabilitation center where you get the care you need. A great team, Anna, Gerard, Marjolein, Maria, Jef, and Monique. These people give you a boost of positive vitamins. I have made great progress, recommended for anyone who needs care. Thank you! Much love and health to all of you.

Thomas, Ireland

“The hospital is immaculate, the Medifit staff are outstanding, and the overall treatment is better than anything I’ve experienced back home.”

Marije, Netherlands

At HCB Medifit, I knew from the first moment that I was in good hands, both literally and figuratively. What wonderful people. There is a lot of knowledge and expertise, but above all, genuine attention and careful coordination. For me, the other great strength of the PCS program lies in the combination of different treatments. What especially helped me in this was that all components were focused on both training and improving the physical aspect (namely the complaints I experience) as well as how I can deal with them.

Ann, Ireland

“I was due to fly home after a week, but I extended my stay to get extra physio. The extra physio is reimbursed and the standard is second to none.”

Esther, the Netherlands

From the first moment that my wife Esther came to Spain to the last moment she was taken care of. Esther's recovery has been worked on both physically and spiritually and with success! We have never regretted it and will recommend it to anyone!

Debbie, the Netherlands

You can literally leave the daily worries at home and focus completely on your recovery, both mentally and physically. A great concept and great lovely people! I have a goal again and see the future a bit, it was zero for this adventure!

Nanda, the Netherlands

Really, what a fantastic rehabilitation center! Just got back 2.5 weeks after hip surgery. What a professional and lovely beautiful people! Highly recommended for anyone who gets "no" aftercare here, I recommend: go to Spain and Medifit ... health insurers reimburse this. Fantastic team!!

Ita, Ireland

“The care was unbelievable—no waiting lists, no being left on a trolley, no rushed appointments. The doctors took every precaution, the physio team was fantastic, and the hospital was immaculate. The staff knew me, remembered my case, and treated me like a person, not a number.”