Traumatology
Knee replacement or arthroplasty
A knee arthroplasty is the surgical process of replacing the knee joint (which “articulates” three bones: the upper end of the tibia, the lower end of the femur, and the kneecap) with a prosthesis.
Treatment characteristics
This operation is necessary when the patient suffers from wear and tear or a break in the joint caused by an accident or impact that has fractured the kneecap, or suffers from osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, bone dysplasia or avascular necrosis, among other causes, which limit mobility and cause pain.
This procedure is usually performed under spinal (or epidural) anesthesia and usually requires 1-2 hours.
The intervention consists of;
– Making an incision of about 20 cm.
– Remove and cut the lower part of the kneecap and section the end of the femur and the head of the tibia.
– Place the prosthesis and secure all the pieces
– Rebuild muscles, ligaments and tendons and suture.
After your time in the recovery room you will be taken up to the ward, where you will stay for 2 to 4 days. On the ward you will receive the necessary care and rehabilitation to facilitate your discharge and return home
Most patients who have undergone this surgery experience an almost total reduction in knee pain and a significant improvement in their quality of life as they are able to return to normal daily activities.
The recovery time to be able to return to your country is approximately 15 days.
Once in your country you will have to follow the guidelines given by the doctor so that you can finish your full recovery within 3 months. And you will be able to return to your normal life in approximately four to six months.
If you are able to stay in Spain during the whole recovery process, you should stay here for about 3 months to monitor your progress with certain limitations, and between four and six months to achieve full recovery.
Relevant information
Physical improvement after the intervention
No pain 6 months later
Overall satisfaction
Cheaper than the UK or Germany
Advantages
- Bone conservation
- Reduced wear and tear on the joint
- Recovery of mobility
- Eliminating pain
Disadvantages
- Reaction to the anesthesia
- Blood clots
- Infection
- Dislocation of the joint or loosening of the prosthesis
Treatment itinerary
Before treatment
- Check that you have prepared all the personal documentation (credit card, cash, passport, Identity Card...), medical (reports, prescriptions, images...) and travel (confirmation of accommodation booking, travel tickets...)
- If you take medication of any kind not related to the surgery, do not forget to take with you the necessary amount for your stay in Spain, as well as the medical prescription that will allow you to travel with it without problems.
During treatment
- Once you are in Spain, you will have to make an appointment with your specialist. During this visit, the doctor will open your medical record (for which you will be asked to provide all your medical documentation), perform a physical examination and tell you if any further tests are needed to confirm the diagnosis.
- If it is not necessary and everything is confirmed, your doctor will tell you when you must go to the preoperative study and will confirm the time of admission for the day of your surgery.
- If the surgeon has told you to stop taking any medication a few days before the surgery, such as anticoagulants, please do not forget to follow the exact instructions given by the doctor or you will not be able to have the operation!
After treatment
- For approximately three months you should wear compression stockings and we recommend that you sleep with a pillow between your legs to avoid possible dislocation of the hip. You should follow the instructions given to you by your doctor and the expert physiotherapists to start walking; do not forget that you will need to use crutches so as not to overload the joint and you should avoid any physical overexertion such as from running, carrying weight, sudden rotations or doing impact sports.
- Remember that your recovery time will vary depending on your age, your physical condition, your lifestyle habits and your attitude! You must keep in mind that your correct recovery depends on you, above all!
