The joint surfaces of the 3 compartments of the knee are replaced in this procedure. On occasions the patella (kneecap) which forms part of the patello-femoral compartment does not need to be replaced.
After your anaesthetic you are positioned onto your back. An incision is made down the middle of the knee. Two further 1 centimetre stab incisions are made at the middle of the shin bone to allow for pins with infrared markers in them to give live feedback during surgery. The knee joint is accessed with deeper dissection.
The articular surfaces of the knee joint are shaved and each surface is replaced with an implant made of metal or plastic.
The knee is then closed in the layers it was opened in and you shall leave theatre and be taken to the recovery area. Subsequently you shall then return to the ward and as long as there are no side effects of the anaesthetic you shall be encouraged to walk the same evening of your operation.
Mr Jamil uses an enhanced recovery protocol that enables you to get going earlier. This protocol starts in theatre with the anaesthetic agents and involves a specific regime & technique of local anaesthetic infiltration during the procedure and specific guided therapy from the nurses and physiotherapists after the operation. After 1 - 3 days of recovery in hospital you shall be ready to be discharged home.