Knee replacement surgery is a procedure for patients with severe arthritis or another debilitating knee condition.

Knee replacement is generally for patients who suffer from ostearthrosis and show the following:

• Daily pain
• Pain interferes with job, recreational activities and daily chores
• Considerable stiffness
• Instability
• Considerable deformity

The goal of the surgery is to replace the knee thus allowing to alleviate pain. An artificial knee is not a normal knee, but it can make all the difference between a limiting lifestyle and a fully enjoyable life without movement restrictions. Preparation is essential for Knee replacement surgery, detailed medical information in the form of a medical questionnaire, any previous Orthopedic Evaluation, diagnostic testing and studies are necessary to provide to the physician for review and recomendation. All of this information will allow the doctor to determine your eligibility for the procedure. Your doctor abroad will give you specific instructions about any changes or activity restrictions you should follow before surgery. Additional diagnostic testing may be carried out by the doctor when you arrive.

The Procedure

During this procedure, an orthopedic surgeon will cut away damaged bone and cartilage from your thighbone, shinbone and kneecap and replace it with an artificial joint (prosthesis).

The prosthesis used for this surgery is made up of several parts:

• A metallic part adjusted to the femur
• A smaller metallic part adjusted to the tibia where a high-density polyethylene spacer will be placed to function as the new joint’s cartridge.
• A circular polyethylene part to replace the the undersurface of the kneecap.

Knee replacement surgery takes approximately two hours, and is usually performed under spinal anesthesia.

On average, a two day hospital stay is usually required and additional prolonged recovery period locally. Adherence to post-operative recovery plan is essential for best results.

Hip Resurfacing is a type of hip replacement which replaces the two surfaces of the hip joint. This operation is primarily intended for use in people who are in need of a hip replacement at a younger age and therefore are likely to be more active. There are certain causes of arthritis of the hip for which this technique cannot be used - namely those which have resulted in extreme deformity of either the head of the femur or the acetabulum.

For people needing a replacement under the age of 55, regular consideration is given for this procedure. People aged between 55 and 65 who are very active and otherwise fit may also be suitable and this will be determined by their bone quality and activity level. Patients who need to have hip replacements under the age of 50 - 55, assuming they have normal life span, have a very high chance that the conventional hip replacement will wear out and need to be replaced during their lifetime - hence the resurfacing procedure offers potentially significant advantages in this group.

Preparation is essential for Hip resurfacing surgery, detailed medical information in the form of a medical questionnaire, any previous Orthopedic Evaluation, diagnostic testing and studies are necessary to provide to the physician for review and recomendation.  All of this information will allow the doctor to determine your eligibility for the procedure. Your doctor abroad will give you specific instructions about any changes or activity restrictions you should follow before surgery.  Additional diagnostic testing may be carried out by the doctor when you arrive.

The Procedure
The procedure is very bone conserving as the head of the femur is retained. Instead of removing the head completely, it is shaped to accept an anatomically sized metal sphere. There is no large stem to go down the central part of the femur and the surface of the acetabulum (the socket) is also replaced with a metal implant, which is press fit directly into the bone.

The resurfacing components are made of 'As Cast' cobalt chrome which is finely machined to produce a very high quality surface with a low friction finish, hence low wear.

Hip resurfacing surgery takes approximately three hours. On average, a three day hospital stay is usually required and an additional prolonged recovery period locally will be required. Strict adherence to post-operative recovery plan is essential for best results.

Shoulder arthroscopy is performed to examine or repair the tissue inside or around the shoulder joint.

Preparation is essential for shoulder arthroscopy, detailed medical information in the form of a medical questionnaire, any previous Orthopedic Evaluation, diagnostic testing and studies are necessary to provide to the physician for review and recomendation.  All of this information will allow the doctor to determine your eligibility for the procedure. Your doctor abroad will give you specific instructions about any changes or activity restrictions you should follow before surgery.  Additional diagnostic testing may be carried out by the doctor when you arrive.

Shoulder arthroscopy allows the physician to visualize, through small incisions, two anatomical areas: the joint itself and the subacromial space.

The Procedure

This type of orthopedic surgery follows a procedure that uses a camera called arthroscopy, inserted in the body through a small incision. If the doctor has to repair a joint, he will also use small surgical instruments.

Shoulder arthroscopy is usually done on an out-patient basis. Surgery takes around 2 hours and does not requires you to stay more than 1 day in the hospital.

If you would like to learn more about these procedures, or if you would like information about any other Orthopedic procedure, please CONTACT US.