Knee replacement surgery is indicated in patients who have severe arthritis affecting either of the three compartments of the knee joint. Knee arthritis causes a loss of the lining of the joint and most commonly affects the inner aspect of the knee. This would commonly result in severe pain and increasing stiffness. Many patients have difficulty in extending the knee. There will commonly be swelling around the upper part of the knee.
DiagnosisDiagnosis is usually made after a full history and examination and a full x-ray examination of the patient to include the kneecap parts of the joint. Sometimes the severity of symptoms may not match the x-ray appearances and arthroscopic examination of the knee, with a fibreoptic telescope under a general anaesthetic may be required. Mr Clarke will discuss the options for treatment, including conservative treatments such as injection therapies, arthroscopy in the earlier forms of arthritis or total knee replacement if this has become more severe.
Operative TreatmentMr Clarke uses the LCS mobile bearing knee arthroplasty which has over a 25 year worldwide experience (the New Jersey knee). The advantage of this particular replacement is the use of a mobile bearing which gives excellent conforming surfaces for the replacement to reduce the wear of the components and excellent function. This has an outstanding track record and Mr Clarke believes that 95% of patients should have a satisfactorily functioning knee at 10 years post operatively.
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