KNEE REPLACEMENT
Procedure:

Total or partial replacement of knee joint is very successful surgery for patient with degenerative or inflammatory arthritis (osteoarthritis) of the knee.
It’s a procedure consisting in the relining of the knee joint with artificial parts called prostheses or implants.
In total knee arthroplasty, there are three components that replace the original joint parts: femoral component, tibial component and patellar component.
In partial knee arthroplasty, only one part of the femoral joint and of the tibial joint are replaced.

Preparation :

A letter from your GP or your specialist doctor in your country is recommended to know your medical history, and previous treatment received or any other relevant medical details.

The following tests are carried out before coming in Tunisia: Blood tests, urine test, X-ray of knee joints.

You need to carry out the infection foci tests: oral, dental and urine test. If there are evidence of infection, you need to treat it before your travel.

Anaesthesia:

Joint knee replacement is carried out under spinal anaesthesia.

Duration:

Total knee replacement surgery take about 2 hours.
Partial knee replacement take about 1 hour to 1 hour and half.
Revision of a knee replacement may take more than 2 hours.

Post surgery care:

You will be given pain killer to control pain, blood thinning medication.
Weight bearing is generally allowed 24 hours after surgery, except particular conditions.
Drain are removed in 3 days.
Physiotherapy starts immediately after surgery ( continuous passive motion).
You will stay 5 to 7 days in the clinic after wich you will be discharged to your hotel or a comfortable flat near the clinic, where you will get daily visit s from your physiotherapist and your nurse. A minimum period of two weeks is necessary after surgery.

Knee replacement risks and possible complications:

The complication rate following knee replacement is low.

- Infection: ( idem hip replacement)
- Blood clots: ( idem hip replacement)

Knee replacement recovery:

Most patient begin walking with weight bearing 24 hours after surgery. Your physiotherapist will assist you and teach you specific exercises to strengthen your thigh and restore movement for walking and other dialling activities.
You may fell some numbness around the wound, you may also experience stiffness especially with excessive bending.
Take special precaution to avoid falls and participate in regular light exercise to maintain strength and mobility of the knee.
Total stay in Tunisia will be for 2 or 3 weeks.
Physiotherapy is necessary for a minimum period of 6 weeks.
Make sure on your return you visit your GP and your physiotherapist for follow-up program.
You still be in contact with your surgeon by mail or by phone.

Knee replacement cost:

The cost includes: surgery, prosthesis, pre and post surgery consultations, blood tests and X-rays, Hospital fees, hotel stay, physiotherapy and airport transfers.

- Total knee replacement: from 5200 Euros
- Partial knee replacement: from 4800 Euros
- Revision of knee replacement: from 6500 Euros