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Knee surgery

Interesting facts about knee surgery

The knee joint is the largest in the entire human body, which also makes it susceptible to significant stress and injury at the same time. Knee pain, similar to back pain, is a common complaint and can have various causes.

The knee represents the connection between the tibia and the femur. It can also be called a hinge joint because of its ability to extend and flex. At the same time, it is a rotational joint that also allows our lower legs to become very mobile and flexible. The knee joint is divided into three different areas and consists of: Patella, Tibial Head and Femoral Rollers.

Whether meniscus tear or knee osteoarthritis, there are various conditions that can make knee surgery necessary. In our center for orthopedics in Munich East, you will receive individual consultation and treatment.

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The specialists at the Orthopädie Zentrum München Ost will be happy to provide you with a medical consultation. Take advantage of our wealth of experience in the field of orthopedics and feel free to make an appointment with us!

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Orthopädie Zentrum München Ost - Knie - Erkrankungen

Table of Contents:

Knee surgery – what diseases or damage can occur in the knee area?
Knee surgery – what is the preparation?

Conventional knee surgery – what is the procedure?
Minimally invasive knee surgery – how does it work?
What are the complications and risks associated with knee surgery?
Knee surgery – What is the aftercare like?

Knee surgery – what diseases or damage can occur in the knee area?

Our knee joint is subjected to considerable stress on a daily basis. This includes, for example, climbing stairs, jogging or various other sports. Injuries can cause significant damage to the knee and age-related wear and tear can also leave its mark. Below are some typical diseases and injuries:

Meniscus tear: a lesion of the meniscus can be caused by an accident or natural aging processes. In principle, the meniscus can also be referred to as an intermediate knee joint and serves to compensate for differences in shape and as a shock absorber. In the course of meniscus surgery, the tear can be sutured again, or damaging parts that jam are removed.

Cruciate ligament tear: This is one of the most common injuries to the knee, and the cruciate ligament may be completely torn or only partially damaged. Cruciate ligament rupture surgery should be performed as early as possible to avoid serious consequential damage.

Osteoarthritis: The so-called gonarthrosis is caused by the degradation of cartilage in the area of the knee joint. The resulting abrasion of the cartilage causes severe pain over time. There are several ways to treat knee osteoarthritis, such as TEP, cartilage grafting, and knee replacement. They run virtually as if on rims.

Knee surgery – what is the preparation?

The decision to have knee surgery is not made overnight, but requires extensive, thorough preparation. The anamnesis plays an important role and is the first step before knee surgery. In this context, the mobility of the knee is also tested and questions are asked about any existing or previous diseases.

Another important step in the preparation of knee surgery is diagnostics using imaging techniques. Current x-rays and an MRI are obtained, which allow an accurate diagnosis. If knee surgery is unavoidable, further examinations follow, such as:

Blood test
Examination of the general state of health

Before knee surgery, you can also prepare yourself at home for the time afterwards. For example, check to see if there are any trip hazards in your apartment or house. After the surgery, you will be dependent on walking aids for the initial period, which can be used better on a level surface.

You should abstain from nicotine or alcohol for at least 1 to weeks after knee surgery. Whether it’s implant surgery, meniscus surgery or arthroplasty, tobacco and alcohol can negatively impact the healing process. You will receive further advice on the preparatory measures before knee surgery from our doctors.

Conventional knee surgery – what is the procedure?

Since conventional knee surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia, a period of rest in the recovery room is necessary afterwards. You will wake up from your anesthesia under careful observation by nurses and doctors. If an inpatient stay is still appropriate after the knee surgery, you will be taken to your ward room.

Minimally invasive knee surgery – how does it work?

After a detailed preliminary discussion, in which the type of anesthesia was also discussed, the minimally invasive knee surgery is performed. Camera and surgical equipment are inserted through two small incisions in the knee area. The progress of the knee surgery can be followed on a separate monitor. Afterwards, the two small incisions are sutured and you can leave the clinic after a short rest period. The advantage of this surgical method is that no large-scale opening of the knee joint is necessary and that it can usually be performed on an outpatient basis.

What are the complications and risks associated with knee surgery?

Whether implantation of an artificial knee joint or cruciate ligament rupture surgery , every operation is associated with certain risks. General complications of knee surgery can include thrombosis, injury to nerves, or inflammation in the surgical area. Depending on the type of anesthesia, for example, general anesthesia may cause vomiting or dizziness after waking up.

An artificial knee can become loose under certain circumstances, for example after a bump or a fall. Especially in the initial period, adhesions can occur at the artificial joint after a knee TEP. For this reason, it is important that you move your knee regularly. In most cases, a CPM splint is used during follow-up treatment. With the help of this motorized therapy splint, passively performed movements of the knee can be made.

Swelling and bruising are among the other risks after knee surgery. You can support the healing process by regular cooling. Special physiotherapy exercises can also help. We would be happy to provide you with even more information about the risks of knee surgery.

Knee surgery – What is the aftercare like?

A comprehensive aftercare and the perception of the control examinations are important to be able to guarantee the success of a knee surgery. Rehab may also seem appropriate after certain knee surgeries, such as implantation of a knee prosthesis.

In the beginning, you are not yet allowed to put full weight on your knee and have to rely on crutches when walking. In most cases, partial weight bearing is possible, which is around 20 kg for knee surgery. Wearing positioning splints or functional aids may also be necessary after knee surgery.
Some tips for the time after knee surgery

Give yourself and your body enough rest to process the surgery. However, moderate exercise is still important, at least with arthroplasty. More tips:

pay attention to the appropriate footwear
Walk stairs with care
elevate the legs more often to avoid renewed swelling of the legs

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