What is a total knee replacement?
Total knee replacement is a surgical procedure that replaces damaged cartilage and bone in the joint with prosthetic implants. The goal is to restore optimal joint function and relieve pain associated with wear and tear.
In his practice in Geneva, Dr. Coulin favors modern techniques, including minimally invasive surgery, when the patient's profile allows. This approach limits damage to surrounding tissue and promotes faster recovery.
In which cases is the intervention indicated?
Knee prosthesis is mainly indicated in cases ofadvanced osteoarthritis, when pain becomes chronic, movement is limited and conservative treatments are no longer sufficient.
Dr. Coulin may also recommend this operation in other situations, such as:
- Inflammatory arthritis (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis).
- A severe joint deformity.
- A complex fracture of the knee.
- Bone necrosis (a condition where a portion of bone dies due to a lack of blood supply).
- Failure of conservative treatments: infiltrations, anti-inflammatories, rehabilitation.
When pain affects walking, daily activities or sleep, prosthetics become the best solution to sustainably improve quality of life.
Why consider a knee replacement?
Osteoarthritis is an irreversible degenerative disease. The cartilage gradually thins, leading to pain during exercise, a feeling of locking, and a loss of joint flexibility.
When pain becomes permanent and mobility is reduced, surgery can:
- Relieve pain
- Restore knee function
- Regain smooth and independent walking
How does the operation with Dr. Coulin work?
The procedure is performed under general or regional anesthesia. Dr. Coulin accesses the joint through an incision at the front of the knee, then removes the damaged surfaces and implants the prosthetic components (femoral, tibial, and sometimes patellar).
Before the intervention, Dr. Coulin relies on advanced technologies 3D analysis to model each patient's anatomy with extreme precision. This tailor-made planning allows us to anticipate each surgical procedure, optimize implant positioning and faithfully restore the natural biomechanics of the knee.
What are the post-operative consequences ?
Rehabilitation begins as soon as the hours following the operationAccompanied by a physiotherapist, the patient is encouraged to gradually mobilize the knee to avoid lack of flexibility and promote recovery.
The first steps are possible with assistance in the following days. Structured rehabilitation continues over several weeks to:
- Restore joint range of motion.
- Strengthen the muscles.
- Regain independence and resume daily activities.
What results can we expect?
The results are in the vast majority of cases excellent and long-lasting. Most patients operated on by Dr. Coulin report:
- A clear reduction, or even disappearance, of pain.
- Better mobility.
- A return to an active and comfortable life.
- A noticeable improvement in posture, balance and quality of life.
The prostheses used today offer an estimated longevity of between 15 and 25 years, or even longer depending on the patient's activity and post-operative monitoring.
Are there any risks?
Like any orthopedic surgery, this procedure carries certain risks: infection, phlebitis, stiffness, premature wear or persistent pain.
Dr. Coulin attaches great importance to prevention and post-operative monitoring to limit these complications and guarantee an optimal result in the long term.
Would you like to know more?
Because each patient is unique, Dr. Coulin will see you for a consultation in Geneva to assess the condition of your knee, answer your questions and offer you personalized treatment.
