Knee Replacement Surgery

Knee Replacement Surgery In Turkey

Knee replacement surgery involves surgically replacing damaged or worn-out parts of the knee joint. The surgical techniques used in knee replacement operations enhance knee function and reduce related discomfort. A prosthetic knee joint (prosthesis) composed of metal and plastic will replace the damaged components of your original knee joint. People usually get knee replacement surgery to ease the pain of arthritis which is swelling and deterioration of the knee joint’s cartilage.

Who needs Knee Replacement?

This surgery might be an appropriate treatment for people who have severe knee injuries or arthritis. People who need knee replacement surgery often have trouble getting out of chairs, walking up steps, and going up and down stairs. In order to assess whether or not one should get a knee replacement, a surgeon will examine the degree of strength and stability in the knee as well as its range of motion.

The extent of the damage can be more accurately assessed with the help of X-rays. The optimal replacement joints and surgeries depend on patients’ age, weight, exercise level, and knee size and shape.

What is the aim of Knee Replacement? 

The main reason people get knee replacement surgery is to ease the pain of arthritis and osteoarthritis. Degeneration of joint tissue is a sign of osteoarthritis. Due to cartilage and bone loss, movement is limited and may be uncomfortable.

Activities that require bending at the knee, like walking, may be painful for people with serious degenerative joint disease. The surgeon restores the damaged knee joint’s surfaces and relieves pain that is not responsive to non-surgical treatments.      

How should the patients prepare for Knee Replacement in Turkey?

  • Please inform the medical team about the medicines, vitamins, herbal supplements you use during your medical evaluation.
  • Stop using aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, Vitamin E, herbal supplements, or any medications containing these compounds for two weeks before surgery. 
  • Stop drinking green tea at least 10 days before surgery.
  • It is recommended to refrain from smoking two weeks before and two weeks after surgery. Smoking delays recovery time and can result in scarring.
  • Do not eat or drink anything, including water, after midnight the night before your surgery.
  • Arrange for someone to stay with you for the first 24 hours after surgery.
  • If you have any medical condition, please bring all your medical results and reports with you.

In order to make sure you’re healthy enough for surgery, your doctor will conduct a complete medical history and physical examination at the hospital. You might need further diagnostic procedures, such as blood testing.

Types of Knee Replacement Surgery performed in Turkey

1. Total Knee Replacement in Turkey

It is the most common form of knee replacement. Your surgeon will make an incision in the front of your knee to remove your kneecap. Once the knee has been positioned to the side, the surgeon can reach the knee joint.

The damaged tips of your shinbone and thighbone are cut off. The ends have been shaped and sized appropriately so they fit the prosthetic replacement. A temporary joint is positioned in order to assess the joint’s functionality. The bone ends are cleaned and the prosthesis is adjusted before it is permanently implanted.

Your shin bone will have a flat metal plate attached to it instead, while the end of your thigh bone will be replaced by a piece of metal that is curved. They can be fixed with a particular bone “cement” or treated to facilitate the fusion of your bone with the new sections.

A plastic spacer is used to separate the metal parts. This acts like cartilage, minimizing friction as the joint moves. Kneecap replacement may also be necessary for the back end, depending on the extent of damage. After an incision has been closed with stitches or clips, a dressing is applied.

2. Partial Knee Replacement in Turkey

If only one side of your knee is damaged, you may be eligible for a partial knee replacement. This less invasive surgery requires a smaller incision and the removal of fewer bones. Partial knee replacement has advantages like shorter hospital stays and faster recovery times. 

What are the potential risks of having Knee Replacement surgery in Turkey?

Replacement surgery for the knee has risks, just like any other treatment. Some of the risks are blood clots, nerve damage, infections, and prosthetics coming loose or breaking down. Knee replacements are durable; however they could weaken over time.

Possible causes of postoperative weakness and numbness include trauma to blood vessels and nerves. If this happens, the broken or loose parts may need to be fixed during a second surgery.

Recovery after Knee Replacement Surgery in Turkey

In order to guard against any complications following knee replacement surgery and to guarantee the patient’s well-being throughout the course of treatment, the patient is maintained under close supervision in the hospital. During this process, the patient—who can now walk with a walker and crutches—recovers to the point where, after two weeks, she only needs one crutch. The duration of patient’s hospital stay for recovery will depend on patient’s specific needs.

The patient can start walking on his own after about three to four weeks, and after two months, he can start driving. The doctor’s advised physical therapy activities and uninterrupted medication intake need to be followed during this time. Also, avoid falling after knee replacement surgery because it could hurt your repaired knee.

You can make changes to your home that will make it safer for you to avoid falls. Make your living space all on one level because climbing stairs can be difficult. After returning home from surgery, it is essential that the incision site be kept dry and clean.

In your bathroom or bathtub, put in strong handrails or safety bars. During your stay at home, if you encounter symptoms such as a high body temperature, bruising, bleeding, or discharge from the incision site, please contact your doctor immediately.

What are the short-term and long-term results of knee replacement in Turkey?

You should be able to stop using a walking frame and get back to your regular leisure activities after about six weeks following surgery. Pain and swelling could disappear over three months. Your artificial knee may continue to heal for two years after surgery.

During this time, scar tissue will begin to recede, and muscles will begin to recover with the support of exercise. After you have fully healed, you should still avoid activities like mountain biking and skiing that put you in danger of a severe accident; however, you can enjoy a wide range of low-impact pursuits like riding, walking, swimming, and golf. Consult your medical staff for advice on how to maintain your active lifestyle following a knee replacement.

Knee Replacement Cost in Turkey

The average cost of Knee replacement in Turkey varies from $7000 to $16000. Package includes consultation with a doctor and an anesthesiologist, preoperative tests, general anesthesia, medications, follow-up examination, transfer airport-clinic-airport, knee replacement, consultation with an orthopedist, transfer airport-hotel-clinic-airport, and knee replacement.

Compared to Europe and United States, knee replacement in Turkey is at least %70 more affordable. Please keep in mind that prices may vary depending on patient’s needs, surgeon’s experience, and health care facility.

FAQ

Your specific needs determine how long you must stay in the hospital to heal.

The average price of a knee replacement in Turkey is between $7000 and $16000.

After the operation, patients may experience post-op effects such as blood clots, nerve damage, infection, and prosthetic deterioration.

General anesthesia is applied before the treatment. Discuss the risks and advantages of each anesthetic with the surgeon before the operation.

After having a knee replacement, a patient's normal recovery time is approximately one year. However, after around six weeks, you could get back to your routine.

In most cases, a knee replacement surgery could take one to two hours, depending on the patient's specific procedure.

Generally,6 weeks after your surgery, you can return to work.

Knee Replacement Surgery has a 90% success rate.