Knee Replacement in Turkey

What is Knee Replacement?
Knee replacement in Turkey is a surgical procedure aimed at replacing the damaged parts of the knee joint responsible for bearing body weight with metal or plastic components. This allows smooth movement of the joint after surgery and some physical therapy sessions. It is a treatment option for relieving pain and restoring the ability to walk, typically for individuals with joint or ligament inflammation or osteoporosis. Knee replacement surgery is generally chosen when other treatments, such as medication or less invasive surgeries, have failed.

Knee Replacement, also known as Artificial Knee or Knee Prosthesis
This surgical procedure replaces a severely damaged knee joint with an artificial one when knee osteoarthritis causes severe pain and restricts movement. The surgery requires a lengthy recovery period.

Steps of Knee Replacement Surgery

1. Anesthesia: The patient is either fully anesthetized or given regional anesthesia around the knee.
2. Cutting: The damaged bones and worn-out cartilage are removed.
3. Bone Reshaping: Damaged bones are reshaped, and irregular bone tissue is removed to prepare for the artificial joint.
4. Implanting the Prosthesis: The artificial joint is precisely placed using screws, glue, or other fixation methods.
5. Wound Closure: The wounds are closed with stitches or adhesive strips.

After the surgery, patients are monitored in the hospital and usually require physical therapy to help restore knee strength and mobility.

Preparations for Knee Replacement Surgery in Turkey
Preparing for knee replacement involves a detailed review of the patient’s medical history (chronic diseases, allergies, previous surgeries, medications). Diagnostic tests are conducted to assess the patient’s overall health and suitability for surgery and anesthesia, including:

• Complete blood count
• Blood glucose levels
• Kidney and liver function tests
• Bleeding and clotting times
• Blood chemistry tests
• ECG and echocardiography

Imaging tests (X-rays, CT, or MRI) of the knee are also conducted to assess the extent of joint damage and develop a treatment plan tailored to the patient.

Steps of Knee Replacement Surgery in Turkey
If other treatments fail to alleviate knee pain and limited movement, knee replacement surgery is performed. The procedure involves disinfecting the knee area and making an incision (approximately 10 cm) at the front of the knee. The damaged cartilage and bone are removed, and an artificial knee joint made of metal and reinforced plastic is fitted, secured with specialized glue. The artificial joint surface includes small holes that allow bone growth for secure fixation.

Potential Risks and Side Effects of Knee Replacement
While knee replacement surgery offers significant benefits, such as pain relief and improved mobility, some risks and side effects may occur, including:

• Infection, Inflammation, and Swelling of the Joint: Measures are taken to prevent infection by maintaining a sterile environment, giving preventive antibiotics, and ensuring hygiene in the hospital and at home.
• Deep Vein Thrombosis: To prevent blood clots, patients are encouraged to stay hydrated, move as soon as possible after anesthesia wears off, and receive anticoagulants like heparin.
• Limited Knee Mobility Recovery: This is common in older patients and those with obesity, making weight loss beneficial before surgery.
• Nerve Damage in the Leg: Rare but possible, it may result in numbness and tingling, treatable with Vitamin B12 injections.

Knee Replacement with MAKOPLASTY

1. Pre-Surgery Preparation:
   • Initial Evaluation: A consultation assesses the patient’s overall health, knee examination, symptoms, and expectations.
   • Diagnostic Imaging: A CT scan provides a 3D image of the knee joint, aiding in precise surgical planning.
2. Surgical Planning Using Robotics:
   • 3D Modeling: CT imaging creates a 3D model of the knee, allowing for detailed analysis.
   • Surgical Planning: Data is entered into the MAKOPLASTY system, which plans the procedure based on the patient’s specific needs.
3. Surgery Execution:
   • Preparation: The patient is anesthetized, and the knee is disinfected.
   • Robotic Assistance: The robot aids the surgeon in accurately removing damaged tissue and positioning the artificial joint.
   • Implant Placement: Custom-made implants are positioned with robotic assistance for accuracy.
4. Post-Surgery Care
   • Immediate Care: Patients are monitored, given pain relief, and antibiotics to prevent infection.
   • Rehabilitation: Physical therapy starts soon after surgery to enhance recovery, flexibility, walking ability, and balance.

Benefits of MAKOPLASTY

• High accuracy in aligning prosthetics, improving surgical outcomes and reducing knee issues post-surgery.
• Reduced pain and swelling due to precise alignment.
• Shorter recovery and hospital stay, with a quicker return to daily activities.
• Improved knee function, allowing smoother movement and better performance in daily tasks.

Specialized Centers
Dr. Al-Akkad is a pioneer in using MAKOPLASTY, offering excellent outcomes for knee replacement surgery in Turkey.

Conclusion
After knee replacement surgery in Turkey, it is essential to follow the doctor’s advice, particularly regarding medication schedules and starting physical therapy upon recovery.

Send Your Medical Inquiry for Knee Replacement Now