 Knee
Surgery
We offer the following Knee Surgeries - Click Below
What
is a Total Knee Replacement?
In total knee replacement surgery, the parts of the bones that rub together
are resurfaced with metal and plastic implants. Using special, precision
instruments, your surgeon will typically remove the damaged surfaces of
all three bones. The replacement surfaces will then be fixed into place.
The surface of the femur is replaced with a rounded metal component that
comes very close to matching the curve of your natural bone. The surface
of the tibia is replaced with a smooth plastic component. This flat metal
component holds a smooth plastic piece made of ultra-high-molecular-weight
polyethylene plastic that serves as the cartilage. The under surface of
the kneecap may also be replaced with an implant made of the same polyethylene
plastic.
What
is Half Knee Replacement or “Oxford Knee”
The “Oxford knee or half knee replacement is generally known as the unicompartmental
knee prostheses replaces half of the joint where cartilage is worn out
on one side only. The total knee prostheses replace the entire knee joint.
Flex
Fixed Knee or Zimmer High Flex Knee Replacement?
Both Fix Flexed knee and high flexed knees are available. In some cases,
the Flex Fixed Knee may be an option for total knee replacement. The basic
surgical procedure for the Flex Fixed Knee is the same as for any other
total knee replacement. Which knee to fit often depends on patients lifestyle,
and physical characteristics. This decision will normally be made beforehand
but can be confirmed during the pre-surgery consultation with the orthopaedic
surgeon.
The fix-flexed knee is the more traditional knee replacement fitted before
the appearance of the new high flex knee.
The High-Flex Knee replaces the thighbone portion of the knee. Knee replacements
have long been available in many different sizes, but pioneering research
conducted for Zimmer shows getting a good fit is not just about size,
it’s about shape.
Zimmer branded knees have been implanted in more than 5 million patients
worldwide, and, in 2002, the company became the first to reach 1 million
total knee replacements in the USA. Zimmer Implant Solutions are based
on more than 20 years of Zimmer’s success in total knee replacement. Implants
are designed for positioning with existing surgical techniques, including
Zimmer Minimally Invasive Solutions™ (MIS) Procedures.
The High-Flex Knee Replacement addresses
two Important issues:
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Surgical
Method – minimally invasive surgery typically offers smaller
scars, shorter hospitalisation and quicker rehabilitation and recovery.
The flexing of the Knee – traditional
knee replacement has lead to a certain amount of loss of mobility
of the knee joint the amount of total flexing possible with a standard
knee replacement causes reduced flexing and mobility. The High-Flex
Knee replacement accommodates high flexion (up to 155 degrees).
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Knee Surgeries Details - Click Below
The Knee Joint
The Operating Procedure
Fitting the Implants
How is the implant
attached?
Indications for Knee
Replacement
Contraindications
for Knee Replacement
Planning your Journey
Once you have Arrived
Your Hospital Stay
The Operation
The Typical Total
Knee Replacement Program
Fully Inclusive Surgery
Option
Basic Surgery Option
How do I Book?
Methods of Payment
MRSA Infection Control
Policy
FAQs
The
Operating Procedure
The patient is first taken into the operating room and given anaesthesia.
After the anaesthesia has taken effect, the skin around the knee is thoroughly
scrubbed with an antiseptic liquid. The knee is flexed about 90 degrees
and the lower portion of the leg, including the foot, is placed in a special
device to securely hold it in place during the surgery. Usually a tourniquet
is then applied to the upper portion of the leg to help slow the flow
of blood during the surgery.
An incision is then made that typically extends from just above the knee
to just below the knee. The incision is gradually made deeper through
muscle and other tissue until the bone surfaces are exposed. The surgeon
then removes damaged bone surfaces and cartilage. Precision instruments
and guides are used to help make sure the cuts are made at the correct
angles so the bones will align properly after the new surfaces (implants)
are attached.
Small amounts of the bone surface are removed from the front, end and
back of the femur. This shapes the bone so the implants will fit properly.
The amount of bone that is removed depends on the amount of bone that
has been damaged by the osteoarthritis.
A small portion of the top surface of the tibia is also removed, making
the end of the bone flat.
The back surface of the patella (kneecap) is also removed.
Fitting
the Implants
An implant is fixed to each of the three
bones. Implants are designed so that the knee joint will move in a way
that is very similar to a normal healthy joint. Implants may be press
fitted or fixed using bone cement. The implant that fits over the end
of the femur is made of metal. Its surface is rounded and very smooth,
covering the front and back of the bone as well as the end. The implant
that fits over the top of the tibia usually consists of two parts. A metal
base plate fits over the part of the bone that was cut flat. A durable
plastic insert is then attached to the base plate to serve as an articulating
surface between the base plate and the metal implant that covers the end
of the femur. The implant that covers the back of the patella is also
made of a durable plastic. Artificial knee implants come in many designs.
The surgeon will choose the implant design that best meets the patient's
needs.
If necessary, the surgeon may adjust the ligaments that surround the knee
to achieve the best possible knee function.
When all of the implants are in place and the ligaments are properly adjusted,
the surgeon sews the layers of tissue back into their proper position.
A drain tube may be inserted into the wound to drain liquids from the
area for a few hours. The edges of the skin are then sewn together, and
the knee is wrapped in a sterile bandage. The patient is then taken to
the recovery room.
How
is the Implant Attached?
Knee Replacement Implants are attached in one of three ways:
1. Cemented with bone cement
2. Un-cemented
3. Combination of 1 and 2
Bone Cement
A special type of acrylic bone cement may be used to secure some or all
of the implant components to the bone. If used, the bone cement takes
about 15 minutes to set.
Un-Cemented
The surface of the implant that meets the bone is rough and porous so
that the unit when press fitted will combine with the bone, which actually
grows into the unit. This creates an immensely strong bond, which is hard
to separate (rather like barnacles on a ship).
Combination
In some cases, your surgeon may choose a combination of cement and un-cemented
fixation, depending upon the implant and the condition of the bone around
the knee joint.
The decision as to whether to use a cemented or un-cemented fixation depends
upon many factors, physiology of the patient, condition of the bone and
the patient.
Indications
for Knee Replacement
If you have severe pain or significant disability resulting from one or
more of the following conditions a knee replacement may be appropriate
for you:
- Deterioration of the knee joint cartilage
(osteoarthritis).
- Inflammation in the lining of the knee joint
(rheumatoid arthritis).
- Physical injury to the knee joint resulting
in arthritis (traumatic arthritis)
- Moderate valgus (bowlegged), varus (knock-kneed),
or flexion (bending) deformities.
- A loss of blood supply to the lower portion
of the upper leg bone (femoral condyle) that leads to tiny breaks within
the bone and possible collapse (avascular necrosis).
- To correct problems caused by previously
failed surgeries.
- Certain breaks in the knee joint bones (fractures).
Contraindications
for Knee Replacement
Knee Replacement Surgery is not appropriate if:
- You have an infection.
- You do not have enough bone or the bone is
not strong enough to support the prosthesis.
- You have injured certain nerves and/or nerve
networks in the knee area.
- You have injured or non-functional knee muscles.
- Your knee is severely unstable, possibly
due to unstable knee ligaments.
- You have one of several conditions known
as neuromuscular disease.
- Your knee joint has a stable fusion (arthrodesis)
that is functional and painless.
In addition, implanting a unicompartmental knee
is not appropriate if:
- You have rheumatoid arthritis.
- You have a varus or valgus deformity greater
than 15 degrees.
- There is evidence of calcium being deposited
in the joint cartilage (chondrocalcinosis or pseudogout).
Planning
your Journey
Our staff will assist you in planning your journey. This is especially
necessary when undergoing hip and knee surgery to ensure that you return
home in comfort.
Once
you have Arrived
When you arrived hospital staff will great you and ensure that you are
settled in the privacy of your own room in the family B&B unit. You
will be asked your dietary preferences and be given a short guide to the
hospital and its facilities.
Your
Hospital Stay
The next day after the preliminary consultation, your consultant surgeon
will carefully assess your condition and will decide with you which surgery
is best suited. There is a short pre-surgery questionnaire to complete
and it is likely that some investigations will be done at this stage,
such as a blood test and x-rays.
You will be fully briefed on what to expect and how to prepare for your
operation. The surgeon will ensure that you are comfortable and explain
all about your surgery. The anaesthetist will visit you and answer any
questions you may have.
The
Operation
Surgery is performed under either epidural or general anaesthesia if you
have a preference please tell the anaesthetist. Hospital stay is normally
13 days for total knee replacement and 11 days for unicompartmental knee
replacement. The surgery is performed in a DHI partner specialist orthopaedic
hospital by a consultant surgeon in orthopaedic surgery.
After Surgery
A physiotherapist will visit and instruct you in a program of exercises
to assist your restoration to peak physical condition. Within a short
while you will be safely on the road to recovery!
The
Typical Total Knee Replacement Program
Our program offers you the opportunity to swiftly obtain the corrective
surgery you need, taking advantage of the benefit of our experience and
expertise in the field of orthopaedic surgery.
Our orthopaedic surgery program takes you step by step through the procedure;
from your outgoing journey and preparation, through to your physiotherapy
program and aftercare pathway leading to full health and fitness.
Day 1 - Arrival + settle in to the hospital’s
family B&B unit
Day 2 – consultation + preoperative x-rays
+ blood tests
Day 3 – Admission to hospital bed + surgery
+ possible overnight in ICU
Day 4 –In hospital + first day of physiotherapy
Day 5 - Day 12 In hospital + physiotherapy
Day 13 – Post-operative check and departure
Please note the unicompartmental knee replacement
includes 11 days stay. An additional weeks stay with physiotherapy is
available on request.
Fully
Inclusive Surgery Option
The DHI fully inclusive surgery package includes:
- MRSA test
- Surgery (all hospital, surgery & anaesthetist's
fees)
- Return flights (UK, Denmark & Ireland),
Eurostar or Ferry for two (door-to-door pickup is available in many
areas)
- Complete Chauffer service (to & from
airport, Eurostar or Ferry, hotel to hospital transfers)
- B&B accommodation at St Rembert’s Hospital
for a friend or family member
- DHI Additional Medical Cover (terms &
conditions apply)
- Post operative visit by a DHI physician to
your home (UK only)
Basic
Surgery Option
The DHI basic surgery package includes:
- Surgery (all hospital, surgery & anaesthetist's
fees)
Optional extras available are:
- MRSA test
- Airport pickup and transfer service (to &
from airport, Eurostar or Ferry)
- B&B accommodation at St Rembert’s Hospital
for a friend or family member
- DHI Additional Medical Cover (terms &
conditions apply)
- Post operative visit by a DHI physician to
your home (UK only)
How
do I Book?
- Complete and return the pre-surgery enquiry
form. Which can be downloaded here
- Contact Us to set
a target date for treatment.
- We will confirm the date is available.
- Let us know your travel details.
- We then dispatch your invoice and a confirmation
letter explaining your full itinerary.
Methods
of Payment
- Credit Card (Euros or GBP sterling) American
Express, Visa, MasterCard, Delta, Electron, Maestro (add 3.5% surcharge)
- Bank Transfer Direct Bank transfer (Euros
only) 2 weeks before travelling
- Cash payment (Euros only)
- Building Society Cheque or Bankers draft
(Euros only)
- Payment Plan please Click
Here
MRSA
Infection Control Policy
Our partner hospitals have some of the lowest rates of secondary infection
in the world. In order to ensure your safety and the safety of others
we ask that you undertake an oral smear test for MRSA.
This test can normally be either:
- Obtained from your GP or physician. (If required
a test pack can be sent out by us for a small fee and tested in our
labs)
- The test can be carried out in one of the
DHI approved clinics near you. (A testing fee applies)
- The test can be arranged by the medical facility
(There may be a small additional charge involved)
What does the Test involve?
The test is easy, painless and straightforward; a smear sample is taken
from the nose and throat. This sample is then sent to the lab for testing.
What other Precautions can I take?
In Addition if you are undergoing joint replacement surgery please:
- Visit your dentist beforehand to ensure that
you are clear from mouth infections.
- We recommend you use a 5 days supply of uni-wash
antiseptic shower gel the week before you travel (obtainable from your
local chemist).
- Take a course of multi-vitamins with iron
for 7 days prior to travelling for treatment.
- Direct Healthcare International Limited would
like to thank you for your understanding and participation in this matter
to help us to keep our partner hospitals infection free.
Frequently
Asked Questions
Do I need a referral from my doctor?
No, a doctor’s referral is not necessary as we carry out a full clinical
examination; x-rays are taken; as well as blood and urine tests. There
is a consultation with the orthopaedic consultant the day before surgery.
However, it is very helpful to have the support of your GP or doctor.
Direct Healthcare International, where possible, prefer to work with your
doctor or GP. This can only benefit the patient in the long run. Should
your GP or doctor wish to know more about our organisation we would welcome
a contact from them.
Would it help if I brought my MRIs, x-rays,
etc with me?
We undertake our own investigations, high definition x-rays and CT scans.
MRI scans are not necessary, if you already have an MRI and it is less
than 3 months old – by all means bring them with you.
Should I inform the doctor if there is
anything unusual in my medical history?
Yes - this should be declared in the pre-surgery enquiry form, which we
will pass on to the surgeon, it is helpful to mention any major points
again. Download the pre-surgery enquiry - Click
Here.
Will I have the opportunity to ask questions?
Yes, the surgeon is quite open to questions and will explain everything
in detail.
Can my partner attend the consultation?
Yes, they are welcome to attend.
Will I need any Aftercare?
Our program is designed to incorporate sufficient physiotherapy thereby
leaving little or no requirement for aftercare. Comparative studies have
shown that our patients are sent home in better condition than those treated
in other facilities such as the NHS, BUPA and Nuffield hospitals.
What condition will I be in when I return
home?
With hip & knee replacements, you will be able to walk easily with
the aid of the stick or crutch provided. You should be capable of walking
approximately 150 yards or more before getting tired. Depending on your
physical condition, you may have some anti coagulant injections to take
home with you and some stitches may need to be removed after you return
home.
Can you tell me more about your facility
in Belgium?
Direct Healthcare International Limited work with a number of partner
Hospitals in Belgium, depending on the medical speciality. Our main partner
hospital specialises in hip, knee, spine and general surgery. It has 200
beds, is equipped with the latest technology, carries out surgical procedures
with confidence, and offers the very best medical care and attention.
The hospital staff comprises of 40 physicians and over 420 employees.
Each physician is a specialist trained in one of the primary medical disciplines:
anaesthesiology, general surgery, vascular surgery, ear nose & throat,
gynaecology & obstetrics, oral & facial surgery, orthopaedics,
urology, dermatology, internal medicine, cardiology, gastroenterology,
pulmonology, rheumatology, and radiology. The five operating theatres
are equipped with the newest technology. The accident & emergency
casualty department and the 8-bed intensive care facility are staffed
24 hours a day with on site resident cover. This facility undertakes mainstream
orthopaedics, general surgery, ear nose & throat and dental implant
surgery for Direct Healthcare International Limited.
Nursing staff is dedicated to providing a quality service and effective
patient care at all times giving their full commitment and excellence
in caring for their guests. In addition, the hospital is equipped with
an extensive physical rehabilitation unit; a state-of-the-art laboratory
and a radiology department are all available on site.
The hospital places a strong emphasis on cleanliness and the quality of
its food. All meals are prepared on site and the menu changes daily.
There is a laundry service, a hairdresser and a massage service available
for friends and family staying there.
Can I bring a relative or friend?
Yes, there is an in house modern bed & breakfast facility especially
for friends & family members. We would prefer it if at least one person
accompanies you.
On which days is the surgery undertaken?
Orthopaedic surgery is performed either on a Tuesday or Thursday, general
surgery Wednesday and MRI scans Tuesday. The day before surgery is set-aside
for patients clinical and pre surgical examinations and tests.
How many main orthopaedic procedures are
done at the Hospital per year?
The two consultant surgeons have been operating at this hospital since
1992, performing up to 1000 major procedures per year.
How many people does your organisation
treat a year?
We have been in the healthcare service profession for over five years
and successfully facilitate approximately 1400 treatments a year.
What steps are taken to prevent blood clots
(thrombosis)?
The hospital will administer low weight heparin 'B' to prevent thrombosis.
You may also receive some of these drugs to take home with you.
I wish to fly shortly after my surgery
is this safe?
Yes flying even long haul is quite safe; as you are receiving low weight
heparin 'B' to prevent thrombosis there should be less risk than usual.
Will I need a blood transfusion?
For hip surgery, it is less likely that blood will be needed; for knee
surgery, it is quite possible. If you are unable to receive transfusion
for religious reasons a “cell saver” machine is available.
If needed, is this included in price?
Transfusion is included in the price as is the use of the “cell saver”.
What is the blood screening policy?
European policy on filtration and testing of blood is very strict. The
hospital is equipped with its own accredited laboratories. Blood samples
can be screened day or night.
The ICU can locally provide blood-gas analysis and ionography under the
supervision of the central laboratory, which is responsible for quality.
Practical arrangements describe:
- Indications
- Method of transfusion
- ABO and rhesus control
Indications for:
- CMV negative blood
- Deleucocyted blood
- Lymphocyte radiation
- Transfusion reactions and therapy
Blood units are supplied by the Blood Transfusion Centre, which is regulated
by the Belgian Law dated 5th July 1994, pertaining to blood and derivates
of blood of human origin, in addition, the European guide to “qualification
assurance of blood donation and preparation use” is strictly followed
(edition of 8th January 2002 under code R 9515)
Articles 8 & 4 of the Belgian law state that blood must be screened
for hepatitis B and C, HIV, syphilis and anti HBc antibodies.
What type of Anaesthesia is used?
The anaesthetist will discuss the type of anaesthesia used prior to surgery.
If you have a preference, please state this to the anaesthetist or surgeon.
Loco-regional anaesthesia (spinal, epidural or combined) is used when
possible. General anaesthesia can be used alone or in combination with
a loco-regional technique.
Loco-regional
With spinal anaesthesia, a small amount of local anaesthetic is injected
through a small bevel needle into the cerebrospinal fluid surrounding
the spinal cord. This gives a fast and profound anaesthesia in selected
segments of your body.
With epidural anaesthesia, a narrow catheter is placed in the epidural
space for postoperative analgesia.
With combined spinal epidural anaesthesia, after identification of the
epidural space, a spinal needle is advanced into the intrathecal space,
allowing injection of the spinal component. After this an epidural catheter
is left in the epidural space for post-op analgesia.
General
If you are undergoing general anaesthesia, you will be put asleep by IV-medication.
A mask or a breathing tube then gives an anaesthetic gas for maintenance
of anaesthesia.
You will receive pre-medication (a light sedative) before going to the
Theatre. This relaxes you and minimizes the discomfort of the procedures
(IV-line, loco-regional techniques) performed while being awake.
The loco-regional will be administered before the induction of general
anaesthesia (if applicable) for reasons of safety.
What kind of Pain Management is there?
The anaesthetist will also discuss with you an alternative method for
pain relief. This is called the PCA (Patient Controlled Anaesthesia) pump.
This device is programmed to deliver pain medication through the IV just
by pressing a button. The pump is monitored and programmed so that there
should never be any fear of overdosing.
Pain can sometimes be intermittent (comes and goes), or constant (continuous)
and range from severe (10 on the scale), to moderate (5 on the scale),
to mild (1 on the scale). Whatever the situation, there is no reason to
suffer in pain. Your pain will get better each day as you heal. The strength
and timing of the medication can be adjusted to help you recover quickly.
If you have an epidural catheter for pain management, you will have a
dressing on your lower back where the epidural catheter has been inserted.
The tube will be taped along your back and onto one shoulder. You will
see a small machine on an IV stand monitoring the amount of epidural medication
being administered and a button pinned to your hospital gown. Just press
this button whenever you are experiencing pain. There is no need to worry
about overdosing. The machine is programmed to administer medication only
if you are due for an injection. If you are experiencing severe pain,
inform the nurse. The nurse will notify the anaesthetist who will then
make an assessment and possibly provide you with more pain medication
if indicated. You will be given a pill or injection that can quickly ease
your discomfort.
Could you tell me a little more about the
intensive care facilities?
The hospital has a fully functioning 24 - hour accident & emergency
department, paramedics, and fully equipped intensive care unit. Response
time for a doctor to be at bedside day or night is under 2 minutes.
How long will I stay in Intensive care?
Usually, less than 1 day, however, if you have any history of heart problems;
are overweight; or have other risk factors, we may keep you in intensive
care for a longer period. This is a perfectly normal precautionary procedure.
Is there any additional cost associated
with this?
Providing the length of stay in intensive care is just a couple of days,
there is no additional cost. Please see the DHI overrun insurance for
details.
What if something goes wrong after I return
home?
DHI have a number of aftercare and emergency systems in place should they
be needed. Please remember that these should only be used in the event
of an emergency or urgent need. Patient seeking urgent advice should follow
the steps laid out below. If the patient ‘s condition appears serious
a local GP or accident and emergency hospital should be contacted in the
first instance otherwise:
1) Call DHI (preferably during office hours) if necessary use the 24hr
response emergency phone number.
2) The treating surgeon will be contacted and asked take direct contact
with the patient or their physician.
3) The patient may be asked to attend their GP if this is more practicable
or their local hospital.
4) A doctor can be called to attend at the patients home (UK only) in
the event of any significant problems. The doctor can take a wound swab
which will be tested in our labs, report and if necessary medicate.
5) If the problem appears significant but not an emergency the patient
may need to return to the operating facility for further examination and
treatment.
6) DHI also employs consultant surgeons and labs (within the UK) that
will assist in the event that it is needed.
Please remember that DHI have successfully sent thousands of people
for treatment. No significant or urgent medical problems have occurred.
No patient has ever had a cross infection of any kind in one of our partner
hospitals.
What is the risk of infection?
Our partner hospital has successfully treated hundreds of our patients
with no cases of cross infection. Should a patient be found to have an
infection on arrival, they are isolated and treated accordingly. Should
a case of secondary infection occur, it would manifest itself during the
stay in hospital. Belgium has one of the lowest secondary infection rate
is in Europe. Rates in the UK and Eire continue to remain at alarming
levels. In the USA occurrences are on the increase. As recently as 2006
reports from within the UK and Eire health services, the news media, and
senior consultants indicate that the problem remains acute in most hospitals.
So far, all our clients have remained free of secondary infections.
What make of prosthesis is used?
The surgeon’s prefer to fit Zimmer prosthesis in their opinion Zimmer
is the leading manufacturer as it is the largest and most experienced.
Zimmer’s advanced technical capacity means that they produce some of the
best and most durable prosthesis. DHI’s aim is try to ensure that surgeons
use the best implants available, and one that has been proved for a number
of years. (www.zimmer.com)
What is the expected life of this implant?
Zimmer’s prostheses are extremely durable, under normal conditions they
should last for many years.
When the implant wears out can it be replaced?
This is called a revision procedure. It costs a little more because the
surgical procedure to remove the old prosthesis is more complex.
I understand that there is cemented as
well as cement-less fixation, which is the surgeon likely to use?
The surgeon prefers to work with cement-less fixation, unless the indications
are for a cemented fixation such as weak bone structure. The reason for
not using cement is that the tough alloy used in the construction of the
prosthesis is both porous and rough (on the outside) where it meets the
bone, this enables the bone to grow and fix itself to the prosthesis (like
the barnacles on the hull of a ship). After a short while, the bone grows
over the prosthesis and the two become firmly fixed together. With cement,
there is a slight chance of the cement breaking down and working loose.
Could you tell me a little more about the
physiotherapy facilities?
The success of a surgical procedure such as a hip or knee replacement,
a hip resurfacing, or spine surgery, largely depends on rehabilitation.
To achieve the best and fastest results, rehabilitation needs to be started
early, be intensive and task-specific (early standing and walking). A
highly skilled team of 10 physiotherapists and 3 occupational therapists,
under supervision of a medical doctor & specialist in Physical Medicine
and rehabilitation, combines the latest rehabilitation techniques with
an extensive experience and a personal approach. They also instruct you
on the practical and ergonomic issues following these interventions.
A brochure with a pre-surgery exercise program to follow at home, and
all necessary information is provided.
Is the Continuous Passive Motion machine
used to exercise after knee surgery?
Yes, in addition to the morning physiotherapy sessions in the afternoon,
you may be placed on a CPM machine.
Do you offer accommodation for my carer?
Yes, please enquire for details.
What charges are not included?
Any phone calls made during your hospital stay.
It would be nice to speak to someone who
has experienced using your services, could you please provide a reference
that I could reach by telephone?
Yes, we have many previous patients willing to act as referees. Please
contact and we will provide some details.
I am not very mobile. Can you assist with
wheelchairs?
We recommend asking us to arrange wheelchair assistance if you have any
mobility problems. Please ensure that we are informed at the office so
that we can best assist you.
What can I do to prepare for Surgery?
· For five days before surgery you may wish to take some vitamin &
iron tablets and use an antiseptic cleansing shower gel (Hibiscrub)
- Complete and return the patient pre-surgery
enquiry form
- Bring with you slippers, trainers or walking
shoes, loose comfortable clothing, dressing gown or bath robe, personal
toiletries, eye glasses, dentures, reading materials or anything to
help you relax such as a personal walkman and music
- Bring phone numbers of people you may want
to call
- Bring a small amount of money for small items
such as telephone calls
- Passport
- Bring your European Health Insurance Card
(formerly Form E111 obtainable from your local post office)
- Bring any medication and a list of any medicines
that you have been taking
How long is the duration of stay?
- Uncompartmental Knee replacement – 11 days
- Knee replacement – 13 days
- Knee revisions - 16 days
Where can I arrive and still be picked
up by your chauffeur?
You can arrive at the following places:
Train stations:
- Lille international (Euro star)
- Brussels Midi
Airports:
- Brussels National Airport, Zaventem
- Brussels South Airport, Charleroi
- Lille international Airport
- Liege Airport
- Antwerp Airport
Seaports:
- Zee Brugge seaport
- Calais
Can I stay longer if required?
Yes, there is additional stay available. We recommend an additional period
of stay for women over 75, and men over 80, or if there are any mobility
problems. The extra stay includes full physiotherapy and enables the patient
to recover more fully before returning home. Please ask about the cost
of the additional stay.
The
Knee Joint
The knee is the hinge joint consisting of three bones.
The upper part of the hinge is at the end of the upper leg bone (femur),
and the lower part of the hinge is at the top of the lower leg bone (tibia).
When the knee is bent, the end of the femur rolls and slides on top of
the tibia. A third bone, the kneecap (patella), glides over the front
and end of the femur.
In a healthy knee joint, the surfaces of these
bones are very smooth and covered with a tough protective tissue called
cartilage. Damage causes the bone surfaces and cartilage where the three
bones meet to rub together. These damaged surfaces can eventually become
painful.
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|
There are several ways to treat the pain. One way is total knee replacement
surgery. The decision to have total knee replacement surgery should be
made very carefully after consulting your doctor and learning as much
as you can about the knee joint, and the surgery.
In total knee replacement surgery, the bone surfaces and cartilage that
have been damaged are removed and replaced with artificial surfaces made
of metal and a plastic material. We call these artificial surfaces "implants,"
or "prostheses."
Click for Additional Information?
Preparation
for Knee Replacement Surgery
Surgical Procedure
Frequently
Asked Questions
More
about Knee Replacement Surgery
Exercises
to help prepare for Knee Replacement Surgery
Moving
about following your Total Knee Replacement Surgery
 
Related Links
Why have Surgery in Belgium?
Orthopaedic Surgery Prices
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Cardiac Surgery
