Patient info: Knee
Despite being one of the most common and most successful surgeries, it is normal to approach a knee operation with questions, uncertainty or simple curiosity. In this section, you can find useful information to help you better understand what a knee replacement involves, but don’t forget that the best advice will always come from a specialist.
We hope you find it useful!
What is the knee?
The knee is the largest joint in the body and plays a very important role in providing the mobility we need for everyday activities. What’s more, it also provides stability and strength to help carry the weight of the body.
- The knee joint is made up of three bones: the lower part of the femur, the top of the3 three bones: tibia and the patella.
- These bones are connected by ligaments, a fibrous tissue that, together with muscles, bones and tendons, allows the knee to bend and straighten.
- The ends of the femur and tibia, together with the back side of the patella, are covered by a flexible tissues called joint cartilage that helps the joint bones move smoothly. The meniscus is a piece of cartilage that acts as a cushion between the femur and the tibia to help absorb forces between the bones from normal daily activities.
- Lastly, the knee joint is surrounded by a capsule featuring a strong external membrane and an internal synovial membrane that produces lubricating synovial fluid that helps reduce friction and joint wear and tear.
In a healthy knee, all these components work together in harmony, but can be affected by illness, injury or biomechanical issues, resulting in pain, muscle weakness or loss of joint mobility.
When other treatments such as anti-inflammatory medication, physical therapy and healthier lifestyle habits are not enough to relieve symptoms, it is possible that your surgeon may consider a knee replacement procedure.
What is a knee replacement?
A knee replacement, or arthroplasty, is one of the most common procedures for successfully relieving pain and restoring mobility in patients with advanced knee osteoarthritis.
In broad terms, a total knee replacement involves replacing the damaged joint surfaces with metal and/or plastic components that replicate the movement and function of a natural knee.
The following video offers a short, simple explanation of what this kind of surgical intervention involves.
While there are other types of procedures such as partial knee replacement (when only one part of the joint is affected) or a revision replacement (to replace a current prosthesis), total knee replacement is the most common.
In a total knee arthroplasty, the procedure can vary according to the type of prosthesis the surgeon decides to use based on the distinctive features of each patient.
Some types of total knee prosthesis are...
- PS prosthesis (posterior stabilised): The posterior cruciate ligament is sacrificed and the implant features a post to stabilise the joint and prevent dislocation.
- NPS or CR prosthesis (cruciate-retaining): The patient’s posterior cruciate ligament is retained, meaning not as much bone needs to be removed. More natural biomechanics of the operated knee.
- CCK prosthesis (constrained condylar): This is typically used when the internal lateral ligament does not work properly. The implant features a larger femoral box and a post that helps rotation and medial-lateral stability.
Lastly, the surgeon may also choose between cemented fixation (the prosthesis is fixed to the bone with special bone cement) or cementless fixation (the prosthesis has a special biological coating that promotes bone growth and fixation).
Total Knee System
GENUTECH DCF and CCK
The first Genutech design was created in 2005. Since then, it has been continuously evolving to guarantee the very best results for both patients and surgeons. Today, Genutech is present in over 35 countries.
The Surgival Total Knee System encompasses everything from primary arthroplasties to revision procedures, even the most complex ones. The implant design features, materials and intuitive instruments provide specialists with an approach to a wide variety of surgical situations.
Characteristics of the Surgival Knee System:
Multiple options between components
Genutech is a versatile and flexible system that easily adapts to each patient’s anatomy. The possibility of combining all the femoral component sizes with all the insert sizes, the different types of femoral components (PS, NPS or CCK) and insert and the supplements offer surgeons a wide array of solutions.
Made with high-quality materials
Materials: Special, extra tough cobalt-chrome alloy femoral component, ultra high molecular weight polyethylene insert and patella, and titanium grade 5 alloy tibial tray.
Maximum preservation of the original bone
Excellent flexion and natural movement
FAQs
KNEE INFORMATION RESOURCES
Want more information? You can find here additional documents with more detailed information about knee arthroplasty, pre- and post-operative recommendations and information on the Genutech Total Knee System
Disclaimer
The information on this website is for educational purposes and under no circumstances does it replace the advice or consultation of a doctor or healthcare professional. Surgival assumes no responsibility regarding your decision to undergo joint replacement surgery based on the information provided here. We work hard to provide precise, pertinent and comprehensive information, but offer to guarantees in that respect. Always consult with your doctor or healthcare professional for advice, diagnoses or medical decisions. Each patient will experience a different level of post-operative activity based on their individual circumstances. Your doctor should advise you on the best way to maintain your activity level to help prolong the useful life of your prosthesis, which may vary for each individual.
