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Home All you need to know about knee replacement

All you need to know about knee replacement

The knee prosthesis replaces damaged parts of the joint.
Knee prosthesis

Knee prosthesis, also known as knee arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to replace damaged or worn parts of the knee joint with artificial components. This procedure restores joint functionality, relieves pain and improves mobility, enabling patients to regain a better quality of life.

When to consider a knee replacement?

Osteoarthritis is the wear and tear of cartilage at the sliding surfaces. This wear is also accompanied by changes in the bone of the femur, tibia and patella. The natural progression is towards progressive deterioration of the joint.

When the knee joint is affected by osteoarthritis this can lead to a series of disabling symptoms. Key indicators include:

  • Chronic pain affecting quality of life
  • Joint stiffness affecting daily activities
  • Reduced mobility, limiting autonomy

Knee arthroplasty is often the last resort when conservative treatments fail to alleviate pain and restore mobility. Patients have two main options: partial or total knee replacement.

Composition and function of a knee prosthesis

The knee prosthesis may comprise the following components:

  • Femoral component 
  • Tibial component 
  • Polyethylene
  • Patellar component

The knee prosthesis aims to restore a functional joint that eliminates pain and improves mobility. As the knee flexes or extends, the prosthetic components move in a coordinated manner, enabling smooth, natural movement.

Prothèse du Genou : Partielle ou Totale ?

Partial knee prosthesis

Partial knee or unicompartmental prosthesis is a surgical option when only part of the knee joint is affected by osteoarthritis or another degenerative condition. This procedure is less invasive and involves replacing only the damaged part of the joint.

Advantages of partial knee replacement include:

  • Faster recovery in general
  • More natural feeling in the knee after recovery

 

Total knee prosthesis

Total knee replacement is used when the entire knee joint is affected by osteoarthritis or other degenerative conditions. This surgical procedure involves the complete replacement of the knee joint with prosthetic components.

The benefits of total knee replacement include:

  • Restoration of joint functionality and mobility
  • Significant reduction in pain

The orthopaedic surgeon discusses with the patient the options available and the specific advantages of each type of prosthesis. This helps determine the best surgical approach for the patient's individual condition and needs.

Rehabilitation and recovery

The post-operative period following knee replacement is crucial to successful recovery. Patients are encouraged to start rehabilitation immediately after surgery to restore muscle strength, flexibility and stability to the knee joint. 

In the post-operative period, the physiotherapist assists with walking. The use of walking sticks is necessary for the first few weeks. After leaving hospital, rehabilitation can continue in a rehabilitation center or with a physiotherapist. Driving can be resumed as soon as a certain degree of independence is achieved. Returning to work depends on the profession, with an earlier return to office work. According to progress, adapted sporting activities can also be resumed progressively.

It is important to follow the surgeon's and physiotherapist's recommendations carefully to optimize long-term results.

Benefits and risks

Post-operative benefits expected
Benefits are more or less rapid, depending on the type of surgery, recovery capacity and overall state of health. Following can be expected:

  • Noticeable disappearance of pain
  • Recovery of mobility and muscle strength


Possible post-operative complications

There are risks inherent in any surgical procedure. Potential complications following PTG surgery include the following:

  • Infection (in very rare cases)
  • Joint stiffness if rehabilitation is not well managed

This list is not exhaustive, but these complications are rare, and all specialists do their utmost to avoid them.

After a first operation and successful recovery, the patient was limited by osteoarthritis in his other knee, resulting in a second, similar procedure. Using NextAR™, an augmented reality technology, I was able to effectively reproduce the results of the first operation on the second knee. One year after the second procedure, the patient regained an improved quality of life, enabling him to resume various sporting activities without pain. »
Philippe Alves
Nos patients témoignent
Gilbert G.
, Episode 1
Gilbert G., Episode 1
Gilbert G.
, Episode 2
Gilbert G., Episode 2
Gilbert G.
, Episode 3
Gilbert G., Episode 3
Dr. Alves
, Chirurgien orthopédiste et spécialiste du genou
Dr. Alves, Chirurgien orthopédiste et spécialiste du genou
Conclusion

In orthopedic surgery, knee replacement is a surgical procedure that can be decisive for people suffering from disabling joint pain and functional limitations due to osteoarthritis. Knee arthroplasty is a lasting solution for restoring mobility and improving patients' well-being.

Combien de temps dure la période de récupération après une prothèse de genou ?

Après l’opération, un suivi étroit de la cicatrice se fait pendant environ 15 jours. Le traitement de la douleur sera mis en place, surveillé et adapté de manière très rapproché. Le temps varie en fonction des conditions de chacun mais la reprise progressive de la marche se fait dès les premiers jours. Il est possible de reprendre la plupart des activités sportives et du quotidien au bout de quelques mois. La rééducation et la physiothérapie sont importantes pendant cette période.

Est-ce que je peux pratiquer des activités sportives avec une prothèse de genou ?

Oui, mais il s’agit d’effectuer des activités adaptées aux patients porteurs de prothèses. Certaines activités comme le vélo, la natation, le golf ou la randonnée sont conseillées alors que la prudence s’impose pour les activités dites à impacts répétés (course à pied).

Quels sont les taux de réussite des prothèses de genou ?

Les taux de réussite des prothèses de genou sont généralement élevés, avec la plupart des patients bénéficiant d'une amélioration significative de la mobilité et une réduction notable de la douleur. La marche normale sans boiterie est obtenue généralement dans les mois suivants l’intervention.

Combien de temps dure une prothèse de genou ?

Statistiquement. Dans >90% des cas, une prothèse de genou est toujours en place 20 ans après l’intervention.

Specialties involved

Orthopedic surgery
Knee orthopedics and traumatology