Accident surgery / orthopaedics - knee joint replacement
Knee joint
The knee joint carries our entire body weight and sometimes a lot more. On average, a human being takes about 1.5 million steps a year and carries out numerous other movements. To make this possible, the knee joint is an open joint which is only stabilized by ligaments and muscles which is made up of the long femur, the shinbone (fibia) and the kneecap. A layer of cartilage and the so-called synovial fluid keeps the bones apart from each other and so make sure of almost perfect movement free of pain.
Knee joint replacement - the whole spectrum of modern knee joint surgery
Our concept - findings-dependent individual selection of the type of prosthesis and operation procedures
Knee joint replacement
A knee joint replacement is required where there is joint destruction through arthrosis, rheumatic diseases and accidents whereby arthrosis is the most common cause. Our concept is based on a findings-dependent individual selection of the type of prosthesis and operation procedures. We carry out the knee prosthesis implantation under the greatest possible protection of muscles and tendons with the smallest incisions possible. Knee joint sliding prosthesis where the advanced knee joint deterioration is restricted to the interior of the joint and other surgical treatment methods such as cartilage bone transplantations, autologous cartilage cell transplantations or transposition osteotomy cannot be considered, it is however possible to treat by way of a medial sliding prosthesis. The medial sliding prosthesis is implanted through a minimally invasive skin incision protecting and maintaining the intact knee joint structures.
Knee surface replacement
Where the cartilage is destroyed in the whole knee joint, despite a stable ligament apparatus and possible minor axis malposition, a complete knee joint surface replacement is the treatment of choice.
During the complete knee joint surface replacement, the defect joint areas are replaced. The loss of healthy bone substance is minimal. The posterior cruciate ligament and the side ligaments are preserved. The anterior cruciate ligament, which is in any event often greatly damaged in advanced knee arthrosis, is removed.
Total endoprosthesis
In the event of advanced knee arthrosis with an instable ligament apparatus, pronounced axis malpositions in the knee joint such as knock knees or bandy legs as well as larger bone defects, the only remaining treatment is a connected total knee endoprosthesis with a long-segmental femur anchored in the shinbone.
Possibly even special prostheses with a larger bone replacement become necessary.
Navigation
If there any extraordinary anatomical circumstances in your case such as innate bone deformations or
malpositions caused by accidents, we have modern navigation technology at our disposal for the precise orientation of prosthesis components. This technology is used during surgery to determine anatomical landmarks and bone segments by computer-aided infra-red transmitters and receivers. The surgeon is thus able to accurately direct his drilling angle with millimetre precision. Just as in flying, the computer is merely an additional aid. You are being operated on by a specialist and not by a robot.
Geriatric endoprosthesis consulting hours
These consulting hours are intended for older patients with numerous and serious accompanying illnesses who require an artificial knee or hip joint. Here you will not only be examined and advised by a specialised surgeon but also by an anaesthetist, an internist and specialists for geriatric medicine.
Any necessary preliminary examinations can be planned together with your general practitioner. Together we shall ensure that the accompanying illnesses are adjusted and the operation can be carried with the highest level of safety. Rehabilitation already starts on the day prior to the operation: Under the supervision of a physiotherapist, the patients learn how to walk using forearm crutches, so that they are mobile as quickly as possible after the operation.
