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Total knee joint replacement or arthroplasty is a very successful
surgery for patients with degenerative arthritis ( osteoarthritis)
of the
knee.
Total knee replacement (arthroplasty) is the orthopaedic surgical
operation consisting in the relining of the knee joint with
artificial parts called prostheses or implant.
There are usually 3 components used in an artificial knee.
-Femoral component: made of metal and covers the end of the thigh
bone.
-the Tibial component, made of metal and polyethylene( medical-grade
plastic) covers the top end of the tibia. The metal form the base
of this component, the polyethylene is attached to the top metal
to serve as cushion and smooth gliding surface between the metal
of the femoral and tibial components.
-The patella or knee cap, may be made in polyethylene or a combination
of metal and polyethylene .
The knee prosthese is inserted through an incision that
runs 3 or four inches above the knee down along the inside of the
knee cap to several inches below the knee.
Your replacement knee is secured to your bones by a medical cement,
and it is stabilised by your ligaments and muscles , just as your
natural knee was.
Your knee replacement lasts 15 to 25 years depending on your
activity.
-You need a letter from your GP or you orthopaedic doctor including
details of any previous treatment received or any relevant medical
details.
-You need to carry out the infection foci test : oral, dental
and urine test before you travel, and if there is any evidence
of infection, you need treat it before you travel.
-The following test are carried out by the hospital in Tunisia
: Blood test, urine tests, X-ray : chest and knees, ECG and cardiac
US
Total knee replacement is carried out under spinal anaesthetic
Total knee replacement surgery take about 2hours
You will be given pain killer to control the pain, blood thinning
medication, Knees X-ray is performed immediately after knee replacement,
weight bearing is allowed 24 to 48 hours post surgery, your Physiotherapy
starts 24 hours after your surgery, drains are removed
in 3 to 5 days. You will stay 7 to 10 days in your private hospital
after which you will be discharged to your hotel,
where you will get daily visits by your physiotherapist. Stitches
are removed 10 to 12 day post surgery. |
the complication rate following a knee replacement is low.
-Infection of joint is rare and the most common causes are from bacteria
entering your blood stream following dental procedures, urinary tract
infection or skin infection, You should notify your doctor if you notice
one or more of the following symptoms: persistent fever, shaking chills,
increasing redness, tenderness or swelling of the knee wound, increasing
or swelling knee pain, drainage from the knee wound.
-Blood clots in the legs veins are the most common complication. Your
surgeon will outline a prevention program which include a periodic elevation
of your legs, lower leg exercise to increase circulation, support stockings
and medication to thin your blood. Notify your doctor if you notice one
or more of the following symptoms: increasing pain in your calf, tenderness
or redness above or below knee, increasing swelling in your calf and
foot.
A blood clot could travel from your leg to your lung and the most common
signs are : sudden increased shortness of breath, sudden onset of chest
pain, localised chest pain with coughing. Notify your doctor immediately
if you develop any of these signs.
Please discuss your concerns thoroughly with your surgeon prior to
surgery.
Physiotherapy is necessary for the first 6 weeks, use crutches for
the first 3 weeks.
You may feel some numbness around the incision you may also experience
stiffness especially with excessive bending. Take good care of your wound,
don’t soak it in water for the first few weeks, take special precaution
to avoid falls and participate in regular light exercise to maintain
strength and mobility of your knee.
A follow up knee X-ray is needed after 6weeks, 6 months and 12 months
Make sure you visit your doctor on your return to your country for
a follow up program
Knee replacement surgery is a highly successful in relieving pain and
restoring motion
You will be pleased to feel pain free and see a major improvement of
your knee motion. A full restoration of knee motion is uncommon, but
most patients will be able to fully straighten their knee and bend it
enough to go about the daily activity: getting in and out of a car, going
up and down the stairs.
for your total knee replacement surgery you need 10 days stay in Tunisia.
£4,300 to £4,550, the price includes the surgery, pre
and post surgery consultations, prosthesis, pre and post surgery
necessary investigations,
medications,
physiotherapy and hospital fee , full boarding in 4 stars hotel
and airport transfers for patient
from abroad (Tunis Carthage airport).
If you need more information about total knee replacement, please don't
hesitate to contact us contact us
PS. If you wish to stay longer and carry
on your physiotherapy in Tunisia your hospital can arrange it for
you at a reasonable price
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