What is a total knee replacement?
There total knee replacement is a surgical procedure that involves replacing worn parts of the cartilage and bone in the joint with specially designed prosthetic implants. The goal is to restore a fluid joint function, to relieve chronic pain and allow the patient to return to normal walking.
In Geneva, Dr. Coulin favors modern techniques such as minimally invasive surgery, when adapted to the patient's profile. This surgical approach is more respectful of the surrounding tissues, reduces post-operative pain and promotes faster recovery.
In which cases is the intervention indicated?
There knee prosthesis is mainly indicated in cases advanced knee osteoarthritis, when :
- the pain becomes chronic and disabling,
- movements are limited,
- and that conservative treatments are no longer sufficient.
Dr. Coulin may also recommend this operation in other situations:
- Inflammatory arthritis (rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis).
- Severe joint deformity with loss of limb axis.
- Complex knee fracture compromising the stability of the joint.
- Bone necrosis, when the blood supply is interrupted.
- Failure of conservative treatments (infiltrations, anti-inflammatories, rehabilitation).
When pain affects walking, sleeping, and daily activities, the knee surgery with total replacement becomes the most effective solution to improve the quality of life.
Why consider a knee replacement?
L'knee osteoarthritis is an irreversible degenerative disease: the cartilage thins, the joint becomes stiff and painful, and simple everyday actions become complicated.
There total knee replacement allows to:
- provide lasting pain relief,
- restore functional mobility,
- regain fluid and independent walking,
- improve posture and balance.
It is therefore a reference treatment for patients for whom medical solutions are no longer sufficient.
How does the operation with Dr. Coulin work?
The procedure is performed under general or regional anesthesia. Dr. Coulin makes an incision in the front of the knee, removes the damaged bone and cartilage, and then implants the prosthetic components (femoral, tibial, and sometimes patellar).
Upstream, a customized surgical planning is achieved thanks to the3D imagingThis key step allows us to model the anatomy of each patient, anticipate surgical procedures and optimize the positioning of the implants. The objective is to faithfully restore the natural knee biomechanics and to ensure lasting stability.
What are the post-operative consequences ?
There rehabilitation after total knee replacement begins within hours of surgery. A physiotherapist will assist the patient to gradually mobilize the joint, prevent stiffness, and promote healing.
- Days 1-3 : first steps with assistance.
- Following weeks : structured rehabilitation program to restore joint range of motion, strengthen muscles and regain independence.
- Following months : gradual resumption of daily activities and, depending on the profile, adapted sports activities (swimming, cycling, walking).
Regular rehabilitation is crucial to achieving a stable, flexible and pain-free knee.
What results can we expect?
There total knee replacement gives excellent results in the vast majority of cases:
- significant reduction, or even disappearance, of pain,
- better joint mobility,
- resumption of an active and comfortable life,
- improved posture, balance and quality of life.
THE modern prosthetics offer an estimated lifespan of between 15 and 25 years old, sometimes more depending on the patient's activity and medical monitoring.
Are there any risks?
Like any orthopedic surgery, the placement of a knee prosthesis involves risks:
- infection,
- phlebitis,
- persistent stiffness,
- wear or loosening of the prosthesis.
Dr. Coulin applies strict prevention protocols and ensures close monitoring in order to limit these complications and guarantee a lasting and secure result.
Would you like to know more?
Because each patient is unique, Dr. Coulin will see you for a consultation in Geneva to assess your situation, analyze your images and determine if a total knee replacement is the option best suited to your needs.
