The most common reason for needing knee replacement surgery is osteoarthritis, which causes the cartilage in the knee to deteriorate. When this happens, the knee joint becomes inflamed; eventually the femur and tibia bones rub together. Other reasons for knee replacement include rheumatoid arthritis and arthritis that result from knee injury.

Orthopedic surgeons at Sopron Elizabeth Hospital perform a high number of knee replacement procedures every year. These include total knee replacement (TKR), uncompartmental (partial) replacement, both knees at the same time (bilateral arthroplasty) and revisions of previous knee replacements. Your surgeon will discuss the various surgery options with you. The most appropriate surgery choice is based upon your age, activity level, the degree of arthritis and the damage done to the cartilage and joint. Recovery depends on procedure.

Total Knee Replacement

Total knee replacement (TKR) surgery, also called knee arthroplasty, is one of the most successful elective surgeries done today. The surgery replaces severely damaged cartilage tissue with a prosthesis made of metal and plastic that duplicates the function of the knee joint. Since the 1970s, the technology and long term success of knee replacement surgery has improved dramatically, providing relief to people with chronic, debilitating knee pain.

Although most patients are elderly, the age of patients has dropped in recent years. Now, it is not unusual for 50-year-olds to have this surgery. The results of total knee replacement surgery are predictable, and the implants are durable. Among patients having TKR, 90 to 95 percent enjoy freedom from pain and improved mobility up to 15 years after the surgery.

Uncompartmental (partial) Replacement

Implant designs for unicompartmental or partial knee replacement surgery have improved greatly since the early 1970s when the surgery was first introduced. As a result, partial knee replacement surgery is gaining in popularity.

This surgery has several advantages over total knee replacement. The incision is smaller and recovery is quicker.

There are also some disadvantages. Long-term results may not be as good, and revision surgery may be more difficult in patients who need total knee replacement in the future. The ideal patient for partial knee replacement surgery is someone who has arthritis in only one section of the knee and is younger than 60 and not obese. There are many factors to consider when determining which is the best surgical choice. Your orthopaedic surgeon will discuss options and help you make a decision that's best for you and your lifestyle.

Bilateral Knee Replacement

If both knees bother you equally and there is X-ray evidence of severe arthritis in both joints, then bilateral knee replacement may be an option. The biggest benefit of having bilateral knee replacement done is that you will have one operation rather than two. Although not a unique surgical procedure, the operation is not as common as TKR or partial replacement surgery. Patients undergoing bilateral replacement will need to spend a longer time in Hungary at a rehabilitation centre before returning home.

Recovery after Knee Replacement

After surgery, you can expect to be in the hospital for 10 - 14 days for knee replacement. In the hospital you'll have physical therapy so you can get used to your new knee. Bilateral knee replacement will need a longer including a week at a rehabilitation centre.

Once home, you'll continue doing the exercises you were shown in the hospital or the rehabilitation centre. You'll need to use crutches or a walker initially and then advance to a cane. Most patients will be able to put aside their walking aides about six weeks after surgery. Once recovery is complete and your physician approves, you can return to work and resume many activities including walking, golfing, dancing, swimming and cycling. You will need to avoid high impact activities.