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

Jan, 52 (Utrecht)

"I felt heard and understood from day one. Now I can go grocery shopping and hiking with my partner by myself again."

Ab , Muller

My name is Ab with years of experience with Medifit.

First time was October 2015 after knee prosthesis from HCB Benidorm to Benitachell: it was wonderful!
Second time January 2018: was for back surgery at HCB and another stay in Benitachell!
Third time August 2021 after my wife's long admission to HCB, 2 months rehabilitation in Moraira / Benitachell.
Fourth time and hopefully the last time! November 2023 for a hip prosthesis in the new HCB Denia and since November 6th rehabilitating at Hotel Danyia in Denia with Medifit.

In my opinion, the best formula for rehabilitation so far! Amazing help from Ray with transport from the hospital. Nothing seems too much for him, and that's been true all these years (I've known him since 2015). Very kind help from him and the Medifit ladies upon arrival. Everything is considered to make you as comfortable as possible. Being able to get food independently is a huge improvement. Help if needed from Medifit also on-site five days a week. Physical therapy that is very personal and patient, but also experienced - I find it wonderful and professional. To conclude, I think Medifit with this formula (four days admission for hip or knee surgery) and then 3 weeks of rehabilitation in a beautiful location with absolutely everything you need, has succeeded in thinking about the person behind the patient... Bravo... Bravo... Bravo! With my thanks to the amazing team at Medifit, I now conclude and wish all new patients for hip or knee prostheses this wonderful experience, despite the initial discomfort (which is just part of the process). Kind regards, Ab

Thomas, Ireland

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

Jan-Luc , Coenen

After two knee surgeries in one year, I took the step to rehabilitate at Medifit Reha in Spain. The team of therapists and trainers took excellent care of me. In four weeks' time, they helped me so that I can now walk, climb stairs and cycle properly again. The collaboration between the highly skilled doctors and therapists is fantastic, which made me feel like I was always the center of attention as a patient. The high-quality care in a human environment ensured that I was able to make great progress in my rehabilitation. Thank you!

Liliana L., Netherlands

My rehabilitation stay at MedifitReha in Dénia was exactly what I needed. Living with MS means dealing not only with physical limitations but also emotional challenges - and at MedifitReha, I felt supported in both areas.

The program is intensive, highly professional, and personalized. I trained for three, sometimes four hours a day, five days a week - always adapted to my capabilities. This level of intensity, care, and focus is simply not possible at home in the Netherlands. Yet it never felt overwhelming.
The team knew exactly how to challenge me in the right way.

I noticed real improvements: more strength, increased muscle mass, better balance, and most importantly - more confidence in my body. I also learned to accept certain limitations, which gave me peace of mind. After all, everyone has limitations - some due to illness, others due to age or life circumstances.

The daily hydrotherapy was particularly helpful - training in warm water allowed me to move freely and safely, without fear of falling. It was the perfect way to work on my balance and core stability. I also enjoyed the cognitive training with the VR headset - it was fun and playful, yet challenging at the same time.

Another important part of the program was the psychological support.

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.”

Frank Bierlee, Netherlands

On 09/11 I started the 8-week internal COPD Rehabilitation program at MedifitReha here in Spain. This was my last chance, I was no longer happy with this life. Everything due to the consequences of COPD. The gasping for breath, not being able to walk even 5 meters anymore, the lung attacks, and especially the gasping for breath. And it wasn't pleasant for those around me to see me like that either.

Sean,

“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!”

Bert, Huizingh

To everyone who contributed to my recovery: for that I am very grateful. The enthusiasm and passion for the profession are bursting forth. Added to that the personal attention and your eye for the circumstances from day to day make me feel I have to leave some friends behind. So hereby special thanks to Ana, José, Maria, Marjolein and to you for your guidance! Should it come to further (medical) treatment/rehabilitation of the deficiencies in my left foot that you have identified, I will certainly do my best to return under the wings of Medifit!

Klaas Jan Hindriks - Foreign Correspondent NOS, 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.

Esther, Netherlands

From the first moment my wife Esther arrived in Spain until the very end, she received superb care. Both physically and mentally, they worked on Esther's recovery - and with success! We haven't regretted it for a moment and would truly recommend it to everyone!

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!!

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.