Knee Replacement
Dr. Jorgen Hellman offers the latest surgical techniques in knee replacement in Newcastle, NSW, and is a pioneer in the technique of Kinematic Total Knee Replacement surgery. This utilises medial pivot knee which is designed to match the knee’s normal movement. Kinematic Alignment surgery has been proven to provide better knee scores and patient satisfaction.
The knee is one of the most complex and one of the most important joints in your body. Let’s take a look at the way the knee joint works:
The knee is made up of four bones. The femur, which is the large bone in your thigh attaches by ligaments to your tibia. Just below and next to the tibia is the fibula, which runs parallel to the tibia. The patella, or what we call the knee cap, rides on the knee joint as the knee bends. When the knee becomes diseased due to arthritis or other injury the bones rub together causing pain and can even restrict the ability to walk.
No matter what the cause, one of the most effective ways to fix a damaged knee is to replace it surgically. In this procedure, the ends of the femur, tibia and patella are replaced with a metal joint which restores freedom of movement.
After your knee replacement
Immediately after your knee replacement you will wake up in the recovery ward. You will be monitored here for an hour or so until you are sent to the surgical ward, or if required, the Intensive Care Unit. Your operated on leg will be elevated on a special pillow. Controlling swelling is extremely important after knee replacement surgery. To minimise swelling you should aim to keep your “toes above your nose” for 10 to 14 days. Swelling leads to increased pain and stiffness. Icing and compression is also beneficial. Dr Hellman has a specialised ice pack/compression system which you are encouraged to purchase when you are booked for surgery.
We are all concerned about DVT (deep vein thrombosis) following surgery. The best way to minimise risk of DVT is to move. If able, you will get out of bed the same day as your surgery. If not the same day, then you must walk the next day. For the first night after surgery, you will have compression balloons on both legs, to help stop the blood pooling in the veins. Aspirin is the best medication to minimise risk of DVT. You will take half an aspirin for six weeks after surgery, except in special situations.
“Getting back into life” is the only rehab you need. Physiotherapists will assist with you getting mobile in hospital. They will show you some simple tricks with getting in and out of bed and going up and down stairs. By discharge (average 3 days), you will be independent with your care. It is not necessary to see the physio after you go home. You are welcome to make an appointment with your physio, but remember that you are having major surgery and should not do over zealous exercises or resistance exercises until your knee has settled down. This can take weeks.
Contact Us
Broadmeadow | Nelson Bay | Williamtown
02 4969 8275
