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Oxford
Knee or Half Knee Replacement
Also known as an unicompartmental knee replacement,
the oxfod knee is used where one side of the knee cartilage has
worn away. It allows the candidate to use the remaining part of
the cartilage for longer.
Some consider this to be a stopgap measure which may allow the candidate
up years of respite, however the candidate will almost certainly
require a full knee replacement sooner or later.
What
is the Oxford Knee (Half Knee)
The Oxford design allows the femur (thigh bone)
to always be in equal contact with the tibia (shin bone). As the
knee flexes, the polyethylene component (plastic spacer) is allowed
to move slightly. This allows more uniform contact between the components.
Thereby lowering contact pressures and wear. A study has shown an
average penetration rate of only 0.03mm per year at a mean follow-up
rate of 10.9 years.
How
long does the oxfod knee last?
- Survivorship of 95% or more at 10 years from
several centers.
- This rivals the best outcome studies for total
knee replacements (Total Knee Replacements are often considered
the "gold standard")
- Even though the lateral (outside) and patellofemoral
(kneecap) portions of the knee are not replaced, this implant
appears to impede disease spreading to these areas of the knee.
Components
of the oxfod knee
The oxfod knee has 3 Components, The Femur, Tibia
and Polyethylene (plastic) tray.
How
is the oxfod knee Implanted?
The partial knee replacement is performed through
a minimally invasive incision. The incision is generally 3 - 4 inches
long (middle of the patella to the tibial tubercle). The arthritic
portion of bone is then removed from the tibia (shin bone) with
a saw. Next, the arthritic portion of the femur (thigh bone) is
removed with a saw and reamer. Finally, the appropriate size polyethylene
(plastic tray) is chosen and inserted after the components are cemented
in position. X-rays are obtained to evaluate component position.
Can
someone with knee arthritis have an Oxford Knee replacement?
No. This implant is indicated for patients that
have primarily anteromedial knee arthritis. The patient must not
have significant lateral knee arthritis. Interestingly, the amount
of patellofemoral (kneecap) arthritis does not seem to matter. Studies
from Oxford, England have found that approximately 30% of their
patients that have knee arthritis are candidates for this procedure.
How
do I know if I am a Candidate for this Procedure?
If your knee pain is primarily located along the
inside portion of your knee, you may be a candidate. Remember, there
are many conservative measures to control arthritic pain (exercise,
weight loss, medication (glucosamine, anti-inflammatories), assistive
devices and injections (steroids). When these measures have failed
and you are no longer willing to allow your knee to curtail your
activity, surgical intervention may be appropriate.
The Direct Healthcare
International Knee Replacement Program
Planning your Journey
Our staff will assist you in planning your journey. This is especially
necessary when undergoing knee surgery to ensure that you return
home in comfort.
Before Surgery
Please read our knee surgery brochure carefully or information on
how to best prepare for your surgery.
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.
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 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 orthopedic surgery.
Our orthopedic 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 - In hospital + physiotherapy
- Day 6 - In hospital + physiotherapy
- Day 7 - In hospital + physiotherapy
- Day 8 - In hospital + physiotherapy
- Day 9 - In hospital + physiotherapy
- Day 10 - In hospital + physiotherapy
- Day 11 - In hospital + physiotherapy
- Day 12 - In hospital + physiotherapy
- Day 13 - Postoperative check and departure
An additional weeks stay with physiotherapy is available
on request. This is particularly suitable to those of senior age
or where the muscle activity has reduced in recent months leading
to low muscle strength.
The DHI Fully Inclusive
Surgery Option
- Comprehensive consultation and full clinical
workup incl X-Rays, CT Scans and bone density scans where appropriate.
- Surgery (all hospital, surgery & anaesthetist's
fees)
- Chauffeur service (to & from airport)
- Accommodation in the familiy accomodation
center at St Rembert’s Hospital for a friend or family member
The DHI Basic Surgery Only
Option
- Surgery (all hospital, surgery & anaesthetist's
fees)
Optional extras available are
- 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
- Post operative visit by a DHI physician to
your home (UK only)
Exercise programs to
return you to peak physical condition after surgery
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