Knee Joint Replacement
How common is knee joint replacement in Australia?
According to the Australia’s National Joint Registry, there were more than 62,624 knee replacements were performed in 2020, with the lowest surgical revision rate on record at 7.3% (down from 8.8% in 2014).
This suggests that modern surgical techniques are improving every year and that knee replacement has a high efficacy rate for Australians living in pain with arthritis.
What does knee joint replacement surgery involve?
– In general, knee replacement surgery consists of replacing the diseased or damaged joint surfaces of the knee with metal and plastic components shaped to allow continued motion of the knee.
– Knee replacements are performed for severe arthritic knees and can be unilateral (one knee) or bilateral (two knees).
– The operation typically involves substantial postoperative pain, and includes vigorous physical rehabilitation.
– The recovery period may be 6 weeks or longer and may involve the use of mobility aids (e.g. walking frames, canes, crutches) to enable the patient’s return to preoperative mobility.
– Most patients can safely drive at 6 weeks and gradually increase walking distances in 6 weeks.
– Here is a before and after shot of one of Dr Herald’s patients before and 10 days post op.
What are the specific types of surgical replacement procedures Dr Herald offers?
Uni-compartmental Replacement of The Knee
For osteoarthritis sufferers where the problem is limited to only one side of the knee, a uni-compartmental knee replacement is an alternative surgical option to total knee replacement surgery.
Your orthopaedic surgeon should be consulted to discuss the extent of your arthritis to determine if a uni-compartmental knee replacement is right for you.
Total Knee Replacement
– Advanced arthritis of the knee is very painful. When non surgical treatments like medications and gentle exercise no longer manage pain, a total knee replacement surgery is an effective way to relieve pain, correct deformity and improve function of the knee.
– Total knee replacement surgery is also called knee arthroplasty.
– Knee arthroplasty involves implanting new femoral, tibial, tibial insert and patella components into the knee joint. The implants may be cemented or press fit into position.
– The goal of surgery is to balance the knee so that future wear and tear of the new joint occurs as evenly over the new implant surface as possible. Physiotherapy is a very important part of the post op recovery process of total knee replacement surgery.
Biomet PSI Total Knee Replacement
Whilst your choice of a long lasting total knee replacement prosthesis is important, equally it is important to get the positioning and balance right when putting it in.
A combination of using the Biomet Vanguard total knee replacement prosthesis and the Signature personalized (PSI) technology, means you get a powerful combination of durability and fit for the maximum possible life of your joint replacement.
A joint tailor-made for your body.
What conditions require a total knee replacement surgery?
Knee replacement is used for:
– Osteoarthritis
– Rheumatoid arthritis
– Psoriatic arthritis
– A torn meniscus
– Cartilage defects
– Ligament tears
What are the no gap and self-pay options for knee replacement surgery?
– To avoid waits of over a year in the public system, Dr Herald now offers self-funded knee surgery in the private system see payment options here.
– For patients who have private health insurance with HCF, Bupa, Medibank Private, Westfund or DefenceHealth, Dr Herald offers a no gap joint replacement fee (shoulder and knee) service for his fee for patients who have their surgery at East Sydney Private Hospital.
– This also includes no gap fee for the anaesthetist and physiotherapy performed in your home. Find out the short stay no gap program at East Sydney Private Hospital here.
How do I change a knee dressing after surgery?
Key points to remember here:
– Keep all dressings dry. Tape a garbage bag onto knee for showering
– After 24 hours, remove outer pressure bandage with gloves and washed hands
– After that remove the padding to reveal clear waterproof dressings which should not be removed
– Any sign of pus or redness contact Dr Herald’s rooms immediately or see your GP.
Please watch this video where Dr Herald discusses how to change a dressing after surgery and the red flags to watch for after surgery.
Nutrition after knee surgery
Wha foods are good to eat after knee surgery?
– Vitamin C helps boost immunity, (think oranges and strawberries)
– Calcium is a crucial building block for strong bones (milk, yoghurt and cheese)
– Vitamin D helps us absorb calcium (think fatty fish, tuna, eggs and cheese)
The combination of zinc, protein and Vitamin C helps wounds heal faster. Meat, dark poultry and oysters suffice for zinc.
– Omega 3 has anti-inflammatory effect after a procedure – (think salmon and tuna).
– After your procedure medications can slow bowels down – (think fibre foods such as oats and wholegrain breads).