A total knee replacement for osteo-arthritis. The low down.

Total knee replacement, also known as total knee arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure in which a damaged or diseased knee joint is replaced with an artificial joint. The goal of the procedure is to relieve pain and improve the function of the knee.

During the surgery, the damaged bones and cartilage in the knee are removed and replaced with metal and plastic components that are shaped to allow the knee to move smoothly. The surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia, and can take several hours to complete.

The procedure starts with making an incision in the knee and exposing the knee joint. The damaged surfaces of the thigh bone (femur) and shin bone (tibia) are removed using special surgical tools. Then the metal and plastic components are placed and secured in the correct position. The plastic component, called the polyethylene, is inserted between the metal components to provide a smooth and low-friction surface for the bones to move on. The incision is closed, and a bandage and a brace are applied to the knee.

After the surgery, patients typically need to undergo physical therapy to help them regain strength and mobility in their knee. This can take several weeks or months, depending on the individual case. Most people who have a total knee replacement experience significant pain relief and improved function of their knee after the surgery. However, like with any surgery, there are risks and potential complications associated with total knee replacement, such as infection, blood clots, nerve or blood vessel damage, and loosening or wear of the artificial knee joint.

It's important to have realistic expectations about the recovery process and to understand that it can take time to regain strength and mobility. Regular follow-up with the surgeon and physical therapist is important to make sure the knee joint is healing correctly.

Total knee replacement is usually recommended for patients with severe knee arthritis, who have tried other options such as medications, physical therapy, and knee braces and haven't found relief from pain. It is important to consult with an orthopedic surgeon to determine if total knee replacement is the best course of treatment for your individual case. For more info or an appointment to discuss the options here in Southampton email us on info@wessex-knee.com

Meniscal repair. Save it don’t trim it. How we can help.

Meniscal repair is a surgical procedure that is used to treat a torn meniscus, which is a piece of cartilage that sits between the thigh bone and the shin bone in the knee. The meniscus plays an important role in cushioning and stabilizing the knee joint, and a torn meniscus can cause pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the knee.

Meniscal repair surgery is typically performed by an orthopedic surgeon and is done arthroscopically, which means that the surgeon makes small incisions in the knee and uses a small camera (arthroscope) to visualize the inside of the knee joint.

During the surgery, the surgeon will first remove any torn or frayed pieces of cartilage that are causing pain or impeding the knee's movement. Then, the surgeon will use special sutures or anchors to sew or hold the remaining edges of the meniscus together. The goal is to repair the meniscus as much as possible to prevent further deterioration of the cartilage.

After the surgery, patients typically need to go through a rehabilitation process to help regain the strength and mobility of their knee. This may involve physical therapy, exercises, and in some cases the use of crutches or a knee brace. The recovery time can vary depending on the extent of the injury, the patient's age, and overall health. In general, most people can return to normal activities within 4-6 weeks, but it can take up to 3-6 months to be able to return to more strenuous activities like sports.

It's important to note that not all meniscus tears are candidates for repair. Some tears are too large or in a location that doesn't allow for repair, in those cases a meniscectomy may be performed, where the damaged cartilage is removed.

It's important to consult with an orthopedic surgeon to determine the best course of treatment for your individual case. We can arrange a review imaging and appointment here in Southampton. Info@wessex-knee.com

Ski Injury - how we can help.

Ski injury blog post

Skiing is a popular winter sport that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels. However, it can also be a high-risk activity that can lead to knee injuries. Some of the most common knee injuries that can occur while skiing include:

• Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears: The ACL is a major ligament in the knee that helps to stabilize the knee joint. Skiing can put a lot of stress on the ACL, especially when a skier makes sudden stops or changes direction. A torn ACL can cause pain, swelling, and instability in the knee.

• Medial collateral ligament (MCL) tears: The MCL is another major ligament in the knee that helps to stabilize the knee joint. Skiing can put a lot of stress on the MCL, especially when a skier's ski hits an object or is caught in a rut. A torn MCL can cause pain, swelling, and instability in the knee.

• Meniscal tears: The meniscus is a piece of cartilage that sits between the thigh bone and the shin bone in the knee. Skiing can put a lot of stress on the meniscus, especially when a skier's ski twists or is caught in a rut. A torn meniscus can cause pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the knee.

• Patellofemoral pain syndrome: Skiing can put a lot of stress on the kneecap and the bones and tissues surrounding it. This can lead to patellofemoral pain syndrome, which is characterized by pain in the front of the knee.

These injuries can happen to skiers of all levels, but it is more likely to happen to those who are less experienced, not properly equipped, or are skiing on terrain that exceeds their abilities.

To prevent knee injuries while skiing, it is important to warm up before hitting the slopes, wear appropriate protective gear and make sure it fits properly, ski within your abilities and take lessons to improve your technique, and stop skiing if you experience pain or discomfort in your knee. If you do experience a knee injury while skiing, it is important to seek medical attention and to follow a proper rehabilitation program to recover as fully as possible. Contact us here in Southampton on info@wessex-knee.com