Knee replacement surgery is one of the most frequently performed procedures in orthopaedics. A partial or complete resurfacing is considered in particular in cases of advanced osteoarthritis (gonarthrosis), in which the joint cartilage progressively breaks down, leading to pain and severely restricting mobility.
A knee endoprosthesis may be considered if conservative therapies no longer lead to the desired treatment success.
Osteoarthritis of the knee is often triggered by damaged articular cartilage or meniscus injuries. In osteoarthritis, the joint surface, known as articular cartilage, wears down due to increased stress. If this process is already at an advanced stage, a knee prosthesis can be required.
Knee osteoarthritis is often accompanied by pain when moving the joint, initial pain after long periods of rest, impaired coordination and sensation, pain in the kneecap and stiffness and/or a warm knee joint.
At an early stage, conservative methods such as GLA:D, a joint-friendly lifestyle, sufficient exercise and further physiotherapeutic therapy are the treatment of choice. In the case of advanced osteoarthritis, the use of a knee prosthesis (partial or total joint prosthesis) is considered.
An artificial knee joint is therefore only considered if other therapies would not provide the required improvement and the quality of life is severely restricted by the osteoarthritis.
Before a knee joint prosthesis is considered, several extensive examinations are done. X-rays and MRI scans are taken to determine the extent of the osteoarthritis of the knee joint. Whether a knee prosthesis is needed depends not only on the degree of osteoarthritis but above all on the level of suffering of the person affected. The aim is to improve quality of life again thanks to a prosthesis.
Endoprosthetic knee joint replacement is not a complete joint replacement, as only the bone surface is replaced. Depending on the localisation and extent of the wear, a unilateral or complete surface replacement is performed. If a joint is severely deformed or unstable and there are bone defects, a total knee endoprosthesis is used.
Swiss Medical Network offers highly specialised prosthetic centres and clinics all over Switzerland. We work with the latest robotics and AI technologies and were the first clinic group in Switzerland to introduce the agile+® fast-track prosthetics procedure.
ROSA® (Robotic Surgery Assistant) collects precise data and numerous details relating to the patient's anatomy before and during orthopaedic knee replacement surgery. This allows the implant to be positioned even more precisely and puts less strain on the knee.
VELYS™ is used in robot-assisted surgery. It supports the surgeon in making precise incisions and adapting implants even more precisely to the patient's individual anatomy.
agile+® is a highly specialised prosthetics programme by Rosenklinik focusing on a patient-centred treatment which relies on the cornerstones knowledge, movement and care in all phases of recovery. A care management team acts as a link between the patient, specialists, physiotherapy and, if necessary, Spitex or rehabilitation clinic. agile+® significantly shortens the length of hospital stays in comparison to the rest of Switzerland and ensures that patients recover in the best possible way.
You will stay in our clinic between three and five days after the operation. You mustn't be bedridden after an operation, as immobilisation can lead to post-operative complications such as an increased risk of thrombosis. For this reason, early mobilisation is carried out and you are back on your feet just a few hours after the operation. The following days, you will learn how to walk and climb stairs safely.
After leaving the clinic, you continue your physiotherapy consistently. An inpatient rehabilitation is only necessary in very few cases. You will be dependent on walking aids for 4-6 weeks. By this time, you will be able to put full weight on your knee again. The walking aid is therefore primarily used as a balance aid and for extra safety.
The swelling may increase over the next few days and extend to the whole leg. It usually subsides within 2-3 weeks. The swelling can restrict mobility in the joint.
Take your medication as prescribed. Adequate medication will help you to be mobile and perform the exercises. This is very important for the healing process. Medication should be reduced gradually.
A haematoma may form in the operated area after the procedure. The haematoma may also develop or increase in size after the operation. It may take 2-4 weeks for the haematoma to subside completely.
Keep the surgical suture clean and dry. The dressing can be left in place until the suture material is removed, provided it holds and is dry. If the dressing becomes wet or comes loose, you can apply a new plaster.
Follow the instructions received from your doctor. Carry out the exercises shown to you by your physiotherapist. Exercise regularly, but in moderation.
Contact your doctor/emergency service.
Anyone who opts for a joint replacement usually has a long ordeal already behind them. The prosthesis aims to enable you to cope with everyday life again. Pain is alleviated and physical function is improved. A knee joint endoprosthesis cannot completely replace the original knee joint and therefore its full range of functions, but it can greatly improve your quality of life.
Prostheses have a shelf life of around 15-20 years. In the event of infection or loosening, it may be necessary to replace the prosthesis earlier or perform revision surgery. Very active people may experience increased wear, which also has a negative effect on durability.
As with any operation, certain complications can occur when inserting an artificial knee joint. These occasionally include infections, post-operative bleeding, blood clots, nerve injuries and, in rare cases, excessive scarring, which has a negative effect on joint mobility.
How long you will be unable to work after a knee prosthesis depends on your physical activity. We estimate six weeks for office work and three months for heavy physical labour.
You should be able to drive again approximately 6 weeks after the operation. Driving requires a high reaction speed, which is why your muscles must be sufficiently trained and rebuilt.
After an artificial knee joint has been implanted, you will receive an endoprosthesis passport, which documents that you have an artificial joint. In addition to personal data, the passport contains important technical information about the implanted prosthesis. Please carry this passport with you at all times and present it during medical treatment or security checks (e.g. at the airport).
