What a total prosthesis of knee ? A total prosthesis replaces your articulation of the knee deteriorated or sick.

It is made up of three parts :
1- One of the parts replaces the articular part of the femur, it is out of stainless steel.
2- The other replaces the kneecap, it is out of polyethylene.
3- The third replaces the articular part of the tibia; it is out of polyethylene resting on a metal basis.

These three parts are sealed in the bone using an acrylic resin.


WHICH TYPE OF PROSTHESIS ?

The model used in the service is derived from a model established for more than 30 years ago, has been imported from France or Germany with excellent results which are maintained for many years. It is thus for us a pledge of safety and reliability. The references of the established prosthesis will be given to you (mark, type, N° of series).


THE SCAR ?

The access used in the service is located in front of the knee, circumventing the kneecap inside, on approximately 20 centimetres, known as "patellar para interns".


WHEN DO YOU NEED SURGERY ?

Whatever the reason for which you suffer from the knee, it is never urgency for a surgical intervention. It consists indeed of a heavy intervention not void of complications which it is necessary to prevent by precautions and suitable examinations in order to minimize the risks; even if progress of anaesthesia and the great practice of this intervention make of it almost an intervention of routine.


WHICH BENEFIT SHOULD YOU DRAW FROM AN INTERVENTION ?

Whatever is the cause of the deterioration of the articulation of the knee (deterioration of the cartilage or osteoarthritis, rheumatic disease, necroses, post-traumatic after-effect…), impotence is due to pains of increasing intensity, and various localization making walk difficult. This one is accompanied sometimes by stiffening that could be handicapping in everyday life, for the care of foot, to sit down, climb… A total prosthesis of knee, replacing the damaged part of the articulation, gives back flexibility and stability, dissolves the pains and improves the function of the lower limb.


PRE-SURGICAL EXAMINATIONS

In addition to those prescribed by the anaesthetist, adapted to your health, it is imperative to bring with you an analysis of recent urine, a radio of the teeth and a consultation in your dentist in order to detect an infection which you could not feel and to treat it. Indeed, this infection can be propagated perfectly through blood to your prosthesis, even a long time after the intervention, with very serious consequences.


THE HOSPITALIZATION

In general, you will be seen by the orthopaedist and the anaesthetist 2 days before the intervention in order to supplement the pre-surgical chek-up. In the event of infection, it must be treated to or else the intervention would be deferred. The first steps are made at the 1st or the 2nd post-surgical day, walk is possible in complete support. The duration of hospitalization is 7 days.


THE FOLLOW-UP OF THE PROSTHESIS


A total prosthesis of knee remains an inert material, a mechanical element which will deteriorate in the course of time. It can be also loosened. It remains very sensitive to the infections. It can leave some residual pains without finding particular anomaly. It must be re-examined regularly by a surgeon to make sure that all is well.


DURATION OF STAY IN TUNISIA.

A one week hospitalization is to be envisaged then convalescence from two to three weeks in the hotel of your choice in half-board.


COMPLICATIONS

They are rare, and do not have to make you forget that, in the large majority of the cases, a total prosthesis of knee gives excellent results. Some are specific to this type of intervention or in connection with your past medical records. Some are more frequent among patients in ponderal overload. All the precautions will be taken, but the risks could never be eliminated at 100%.

Without being exhaustive, more "frequent", but nevertheless exceptional are:
A phlebitis, which can exceptionally become complicated of a pulmonary embolism. In spite of the systematic use of anticoagulants, the risk exists during 6 weeks after the intervention, justifying the use of the anticoagulants for all this period.
A haematoma, often neglectable and which reabsorbs itself in a few weeks, but which can require a re-intervention to evacuate it.
A luxation (dismantling) of the prosthesis, because of a clumsy movement.
Ossifications around the prosthesis, which can decrease the mobility of the hip.
A urinary retention requiring a survey.
An infection of the prosthesis, that we already evoked, and justifying all the precautions which will be taken before, during and after the intervention. It can also occur sometimes of the years after the intervention in the event of remote infection of the prosthesis (urinary, pulmonary, small "neglected" wound, etc…) or even after dental care carried out without antibiotic (think of informing your dentist).
One cutaneous necrosis on the scar.
Ossifications around the prosthesis.
Rupture of the patellar ligament.
Paralysis of a nerve of the operated member.
A bedsore due to the prolonged reclining position.
The decompensation of arthritis (arteries of decreased diameter) of the lower limbs.
A luxation (dismantling) of the prosthesis, because of a too significant inflection.


The death is thus possible, in the continuations of one or more serious joined complications.