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Q&A

What else can I do myself to optimally prepare for the operation?

Good fitness can help you get back on your feet faster. Talk to your doctor about the type and extent of your sporting activities. The better you are in shape, the faster your body can cope with the stresses of surgery. If you are overweight, now would be the right time to do something about it. Every missing gram that you can lose before the operation significantly reduces the stress on the new joint. Quitting smoking can also help you recover faster, so seriously consider quitting smoking. Knowledge relaxes and calms you. Therefore, please feel free to ask your doctor or the staff everything about your stay in hospital. If you have any questions about anesthesia, medication and nutrition, they will be happy to answer them.

 

How long does a knee implant last?

Despite its high performance, an artificial joint is never equivalent to a healthy natural joint. In the scientific literature, the average risk of a replacement operation is given as a maximum of 1% per implantation year. Thus, many prostheses even last a lifetime. Causes for premature loosening of the artificial joint are, for example

  • Bone quality
  • Accompanying diseases
  • Accompanying factors such as overweight
  • Too much or wrong load
  • Infections
  • Broken bones
  • Pain
What diagnostic procedures are available?

X-ray image (stationary)

The irradiation of body parts with X-rays is shown in images called radiographs or x-rays. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) MRI is an imaging procedure without radiation exposure that is used to visualize the structures and functions of tissues and organs.

Computer tomography (CT)

Computed tomography is a procedure for the layer-by-layer imaging of bone structures based on X-rays. The examination can be performed quickly and is very precise.

 

Can one react allergic to a prothesis?

Please inform your doctor in advance about any allergies you may have. He will inform you about risks and alternatives. However, there are now very good material alternatives for potential allergy sufferers. Please also remember to bring your allergy passport and mention existing reactions to medication or latex.

 

Which form of anesthesia is suitable?

As a rule, admission to the hospital takes place the day before the planned operation. Usually your personal data will then be requested and you will be assigned to the ward and room. An anesthesiologist will then discuss the planned anesthesia with you. Today, artificial knee joints are used both under general anesthesia and with the help of spinal anesthesia.

Spinal anesthesia (partial anesthesia)

In this procedure, an anaesthetic is injected at the level of the lumbar spine to numb the lower half of the body.

General anesthesia (general anesthesia)

In general anesthesia the patient is put into an artificial sleep. Both the consciousness of the patient and his pain sensation are switched off.

 

What can I do directly before the operation?

Not only the doctor, but also you can contribute a lot to the success before and after the operation. Sometimes it is just the little things that can make your everyday life easier. Well prepared, your recovery after the operation can progress more quickly. You should think about some things and take precautions now.

Stock up on food. This will save you unnecessary shopping. If you are cooking, prepare larger portions now and freeze individual meals in small containers for later warming. Put all the things you use often on a height between your waist and shoulders, because in the first weeks you will Be restricted in your freedom of movement.

There are some aids that can help you in your everyday life after the surgery. For example a long shoehorn, for easier dressing of the shoes or a handle on the shower, for a safe entry and exit. Your clinic has a lot of experience with things that can make life easier after the operation. Talk to them calmly and they will certainly be able to give you valuable tips to take home.

 

Is there a checklist for the hospital visit?
  • Health insurance card (if available)
  • Letter of referral from the referring doctor
  • Personal medicines
  • Information on known allergies
  • Contact addresses with telephone numbers of your contacts, friends & acquaintances
  • Pyjamas/night shirts (unbuttonable)
  • Walkers/Walking Sticks
  • Care products (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap etc.)
  • Jogging suit and/or bathrobe
  • X-ray images, examination reports (if available)
  • Sports shoes (if possible with velcro fastening)
  • Long shoehorn
  • Shoulder bag/backpack
  • Some cash

 

 

What does “minimally invasive” mean?

Today, various minimally invasive procedures are available for knee joint implantation. The aim here is to use as little soft tissue as possible and to avoid damaging it. The advantages of a minimally invasive operation are

  • Faster rehabilitation
  • Reduced pain
  • Hardly any blood loss during surgery
  • No muscle injury or separation

 

 

What risk can occur?

In Germany alone, more than 160,000 knee prostheses are implanted annually. This makes the operation one of the most well-known treatment methods. However, as with all operations, knee joint implantation also involves risks. This includes, for example:

  • Vascular/nerve damage
  • Infections
  • Leg length difference with, if necessary, compensation of the opposite side
  • Broken bones
  • Thrombosis
  • Calcifications in the musculature
  • Loosening of implant components
  • Wear and material overload
  • Restricted range of motion
  • Pain
  • Incompatibilities

 

 

When do follow-up appointments take place after the operation?

In consultation with your doctor, this should be done twice at 6-month intervals in the first year and once every two years thereafter. Please bring your last X-ray and the implant passport with you. Every follow-up check should be entered in the patient passport. This way you always have an overview. The regular check-ups allow possible complications to be detected very early. If severe pain suddenly occurs, the treating physician must be consulted immediately. With your knee endoprosthesis you have a high-quality artificial joint with which you can achieve your desired quality of life again. With the right behavior and regular checks, you can assume that the joint will have a long life.

 

 

Can or should I do sports after the surgery?

Exercise and sports are not to be avoided in the first 6 months, but there are a few points to consider. After consultation/agreement with your doctor you can start using start with sports. Sports with high stress on the artificial joint (ball sports, as well as sports where there is a higher risk of falling) are less suitable. Cycling and especially e-biking is not recommended until a complete ability to react is restored. Extreme overloading leads to increased stress and wear on the prosthesis and reduces the life expectancy of an artificial joint. Ultimately, this can lead to premature loosening.

Recommended sports

  • Swimming
  • Cycling
  • Nordic Walking
  • Rowing
  • Hiking
  • Gymnastics