The implants are inserted at key-hole arthroscopic surgery which is usually a day case procedure. The incision to get the implant into the joint is about 2 – 3 cm long.Rehabilitation after surgery naturally has to be slow as the body has to grow tissue into the scaffold and this is a slow process. Full…
There are now two types of implants designed to regenerate the meniscus when part of it has been removed: The Menaflex supplied by Hospital Innovations and the Actifit supplied by Orteq. Both act as scaffolds for new tissue to grow into and regenerate the healthy cushion. They are made of slightly different materials and both…
The menisci of the knee make the sockets for the thigh bone to rotate in and they provide the shock absorber for impact loads. If a substantial amount is removed after injury then this can result in early wearing of the joint surfaces. Complete loss of the meniscus usually results in early arthritis developing within…
Early physiotherapy is directed at patella mobility in addition to static quadriceps and hamstring work maintaining muscle bulk. The most important part of the initial rehabilitation is to maintain patella mobility in the medial/lateral plane as well as the superior/inferior plane. Once the wound has settled then mobilisation of the patella tendon should also start…
Knee Brace: The knee brace should be used at all times when moving around for the first 4 weeks to protect the osteotomy site. The hinges on the brace should be locked with the leg out straight when walking as the bone has been weakened by the procedure. The hinges may be unlocked when sitting…
On the day of surgery the leg is marked and final consent obtained. The procedure is usually performed under general anaesthesia and the anaesthetist will discuss post- operative pain relief. This will usually involve nerve blocks, which keep the leg and knee numb for a while, and analgesic tablets. After the operation the leg is…
Preoperatively in outpatients x-rays of the knee are taken to help determine the amount of correction required. A hinged knee brace is ordered which will hold the leg enough for the osteotomy (bone cuts) to heal, yet will allow early range of movement exercises.
This operation is performed to improve stability of the knee cap (patella) reducing the sensation of dislocation or giving way of the knee. It is also sometimes used for treating various forms of anterior knee pain (patello-femoral pain) syndrome. It involves releasing the tight tissue on the outer side of the patella (lateral release) and…
These exercises should be started as soon as you have regained muscle control of your knee. They will be shown to you by the physiotherapist when you are in hospital. The exercises are designed to help you regain full range of movement and muscle strength in your leg. It is equally important to be able…
Strenuous physical activity and sport can be resumed when the knee is feeling strong and comfortable and is no longer swollen, which is usually after two to three weeks. This may depend on the type of surgery carried out. It is advisable to gradually increase your level of activity. Before returning to competitive sport such…
