The troublesome arthritis pain will disappear with the use of a knee replacement. You will be able to move again without pain and so your quality of life will improve. In the first weeks and months after the operation, it is important to regain movement and muscle strength.
When a knee replacement should be fitted primarily depends on your pain. If conservative methods have not been successful and you have to put up with severe restrictions because of pain, then the intervention should not be delayed.
Normally, in-patient hospitalisation lasts about 6-8 days. It may be possible to leave hospital sooner with the Rapid Recovery (link) treatment concept.
Research is very advanced due to the frequency of knee prosthetics. On average, knee prosthetics stay anchored for 15 to 20 years. For many patients, the duration is even longer. Only in a few cases will the prosthetic loosen in less time than this. If this happens, the prosthetic must be replaced. Countries like the UK, Australia and Sweden use national joint registries. The data of these registries show that in up 90% of the patients the hip replacement is still in place after 15 years.
If the joint becomes loose or unstable, the knee replacement may need to be exchanged. This can usually be carried out in one procedure. In some cases, if there is an infection, the replacement may need to be exchanged in two interventions.
Patients with knee replacements can take part in so-called low-impact sports like cycling, swimming or hiking. You can in principle also take part in all other common sports, however this can mean that high loads in sports shorten the lifespan of the artificial knee. So-called stop-and-go sports like tennis and ball sports can place heavy loads on knees by the abrupt movements. Sports with an increased risk of falling should also be avoided if possible.
Yes, because there are special implants for patients with allergy available. Please ask Dr. Klotz, he will explain you what kind of implants will be suitable for you.
Please get in touch. We would love to hear from you!
Along with my work as Senior Consultant at the University Hospital in Linz, I run my “Wahlarzt” [elective doctor] surgeries in Linz and Vienna. I will be pleased to give you comprehensive advice there.
Chefarzt Orthopädie & Unfallchirurgie
schedule appointment: