Hemi prothesis

Complaints knee hemi prothesis

A hemi knee replacement means that a part of the knee joint is replaced with artificial material. Pain in osteoarthritis is the most common complaint leading to a hemi-knee prosthesis. The advantages of a hemi-knee include preservation of uninvolved tissue and bone, reduced operative time, better range of motion and improved gait.

Pain caused by osteoarthritis of the knee lead to:

Limited walking distance
Disturbed sleep
Walking stairs is difficult
Swollen knee
Dis-alignment of the leg may be an "O" or "X" position
Obstruction in bending of the knee

For more information about total knee prothesis click here

Treatment of a hemi prosthesis

The advantages of a hemi-knee include preservation of uninvolved tissue and bone, reduced operative time, better range of motion and improved gait. With appropriate patient selection, careful surgical technique, and proper implant design, unicompartmental knee arthroplasty is reliable with medium to long-term success.

The procedure as follows:

The surgery is performed under general anesthesia or spinal puncture
The shape of the knee joint is adapted to the knee prosthesis, in order to ensure that the hemi-knee prosthesis fits and the knee is stable.
Your leg is perfectly straight, so that the hemi-knee prosthesis is not visible
After a trial fitting of prosthesis, the surgeon places the final hemi-knee prosthesis
Before the knee attached, the surgeon again test the knee in proper placement and movement.
The wound area with be infused with local anesthesia to reduce pain after surgery
After 14 days the stitches are removed

We use the latest technology to minimize tissue damage and the recovery takes place soon after the operation of the semi-knee prosthesis.

Preperation

How to prepare for your operation

Prior to your surgery, you will have a physical examination. You visit the doctor's assistant and/or anesthesiologist to determine whether the operation is possible. Besides they will explain the various forms of anesthesia and pain management, both during and after surgery. More information about anesthesia, click here. Finally the day of surgery of is scheduled.
The total hospital stay is planned for two or three days. You arrive on the day of surgery at the clinic. The days after surgery are used to recover and to receive instructions and exercise from the physical therapist.
You should borrow crutches as you will need them to walk following your surgery. For more information click www.thuiszorgwinkel.nl.
Usually it takes the two weeks to walk with a crutch at home. If you have lack of help at home please discuss this with the transfer nurse of the Vlietland hospital or home care setting of your home.

Day of surgery

On the day of surgery you wear comfortable clothing and shoes. Personal items such as medicines, clothing and toiletries take you, and your crutches. Leave valuables at home as much as possible.

The procedure is as follows:

You appear sober at the hospital
You get a support stocking to be measured after surgery
After your medical preparation prior to surgery you will positioned and treated in the operating suite
After surgery you will be moved to the recovery room to recover from your anesthesia
Back on the ward the nurse checks you out. During the immediate recovery period you are given intravenous fluids and pain medication.

The day after your surgery, the physical therapist will show you how to exercise and walking with crutches

Recovery

The recovery period after a hemi-knee replacement comprises several months.

The days after surgery you are still hospitalized. You get pain medication and you start physical therapy immediately with instructions for home practice. After two days, the wound dressing will be removed and the wound assessed.
After a few days the pain is usually bearable and pain medication will be reduced. Additionally, blood thinners will be prescribed to prevent thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.
Two weeks after surgery you use two crutches and while progressing in recovering occur you use one crutch, used on the unoperated side.
The stitches will be removed about 14 days after surgery
Do not drive a car by yourself or ride a bike.
During 6 weeks you use the supporting stocking, day and night
During the recovery process, you will return to a more active and normal lifestyle within a few months. The recovery period depends on your physical condition and labour.

Complications

Even the most minor of surgical operations carries some risk of complications occurring. (hemi) Knee replacement surgery is very successful, and complications are relatively uncommon, considering the complexity of the procedure. Complications may be related to anesthesia. For information, click here.

The most common complication is blood clots in the legs. The most serious complication is infection. The most important long-term complication is loosening.

Consult your surgeon with the following complications:

Bleeding in the knee after surgery
The wound remain sensitive sometimes long after surgery
There may be a thrombosis or pulmonary embolism occur
Instability after surgery
The prosthesis clicks during movements
Prosthesis get loose
Infection of the knee caused by the prosthesis
Pressure on
Damage to the knee prosthesis structures around the knee, such as nerves or blood vessels, which is very rare.

Expectations

Sometimes the outcome of hemi knee surgery is not what you had expected, for example chronic pain sensations. Important: an infection elsewhere in the body (dental) pose a risk to your prosthesis. Please consult your surgeon or general practitioner

To undergo a hemi knee replacement is not a daily matter. A procedure is major surgery with an extended recovery period. It is important to consider all consequences. The better your physical condition before your treatment, the better your recovery after surgery.

Frequent asked questions (FAQ)

How long takes a hemi knee replacement procedure?
The average duration of a knee replacement session is between 45 and 75 minutes.

How often is knee replacement performed each year in the Netherlands?
About 18,000 knee prostheses each year, a part of its consists of hemi. Our orthopedic surgeons are specialized in performing this procedure.

How long will a knee replacement last?
Research shows that 80% stays longer than 20 years. Each individual has potential differences, especially in relative young patients and heavy use can shorten the lifecycle.

How old do I have for a hemi prosthesis?
For people in "middle age" or older, a knee replacement is usually the best choice to relieve the pain of knee arthritis, and restore a reasonable level of function.

Will I ‘beep’ at an airport, with a hemi prosthesis, as I go through the gate?
Not common but especially in thin patients or multiple implants it can happen.

Prepare yourself by reading all the information given. For any questions please telephone or email contact with Orthopedium.